Rajasthan

• 25 Sep 2024

Monsoon Withdraws from Parts of Rajasthan

Why in News?

Recently, the Southwest monsoon has started withdrawing from parts of Rajasthan, marking a delayed retreat this year.

Key Points

• Delayed Monsoon Withdrawal: The Southwest monsoon began withdrawing from West Rajasthan and Kachchh, a week later than scheduled, with further withdrawal expected from Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat in the next 24 hours (as per Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
  • Overall, monsoon rainfall has been 5% higher than normal, despite a 3% deficit in September.
  • August received 15% more rainfall than normal, compared to the 6% projected by the IMD, due to multiple depressions from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
• La Niña's Impact: Contrary to IMD’s forecast of a 9% increase in September rainfall due to La Niña, the month saw a 3% shortfall.
• Full Withdrawal Timeline: The complete withdrawal of the Southwest monsoon is expected by mid-October, making way for the northeastern monsoon in southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh.

Monsoon in India

The Indian monsoon is a seasonal wind system that plays a critical role in determining the climate and agricultural patterns of the country. It is marked by a distinct wet and dry period, with the Southwest Monsoon bringing significant rainfall between June and September.

Key Characteristics of the Indian Monsoon:

• Seasonal Wind Reversal:
  • Monsoon winds are characterized by a reversal of wind direction. During summer (June to September), moist winds blow from the Indian Ocean towards the land (Southwest Monsoon), while in winter (October to December), dry winds blow from land towards the sea (Northeast Monsoon).
• Southwest Monsoon:
  • Dominates during the summer months (June to September) and is divided into two branches: the Arabian Sea Branch and the Bay of Bengal Branch.
  • These winds bring heavy rainfall, particularly to the western coast, northeastern regions, and the Indo-Gangetic plains.
  • The Southwest Monsoon supports India’s agriculture, accounting for most of the Kharif crop season’s irrigation.
• Northeast Monsoon:
  • Occurs during the winter months (October to December) and primarily affects southern India, especially Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.
  • It brings lesser rainfall compared to the Southwest Monsoon and contributes to the rabi crops.
• Retreating Monsoon:
  • As the monsoon withdraws, the dry winds from the north bring cooler temperatures, marking the transition to winter, particularly in northern India.