Monsoon: A Boon

Why in news?

India is having a good run with the monsoon, which is good news for farmers and the economy.

What would happen generally?

• June is the month during which the monsoon sets in.
• June is also when the monsoon begins its journey from two extremities of the country.
• One branch starts its journey northwards from Kerala and the other branch enters India from the southeast.
• Both branches eventually converge in the north.
• Usually, this merging of the monsoon currents over the mainland takes at least until July 15.

What happened this year?

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) data reveals that rainfall during the season has been 14% more than what is usual for this period.
• The month of June only accounts for about 17% of the monsoon rainfall spanning June-September.

What are the two significant factors?

• The first factor was that the monsoon set in at a textbook date of June 1.
• Another factor was the record pace at which the monsoon covered the whole country.
• According to IMD, the monsoon would cover India’s northern and western borders no later than July 8.
• This year, however, the monsoon broke even this speed limit and covered the country by June 25.

What is the net result of all this?

• The net result is that there were more rainy days in June.
• A fairly even distribution across the country was also observed.
• Rainfall in east, south and central India posted surpluses of 13%-20%
• Only in northwest India, the rainfall is staring at a 3% deficit.
• While good rains in June signal farmers to prepare the soil and sow kharif crop, the most important months are July and August.
• These two months account for two-thirds of the monsoon rain.
• This is also the time the monsoon goes into so-called ‘break’ conditions.
• Prolonged breaks, or an absence of rainfall, can even lead to drought.

What is needed?

• In spite of the technological advancements, meteorological agencies cannot reliably forecast the advent of a break or how long it can last.
• Therefore, short and medium range forecasts need to be strengthened and effectively communicated to the people.

Source: The Hindu