India experienced an increase of 30% in the total rainfall during the Northeast monsoon period in 2019, a significant weather event that has drawn attention nationwide. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) identifies this monsoon period as occurring from October to December.
Key Points from the 2019 Monsoon Season
In 2019, the Southwest monsoon receded later than usual, delaying the onset of the northeast monsoon. Despite this initial setback, the southern peninsula reportedly received normal or even above-average rainfall over the three-month season.
The distribution of rainfall during these months was uniform both spatially and temporally, every week recording normal rainfall throughout the monsoon season. A surprising meteorological coincidence also occurred in 2019 when the northeast monsoon began on the same day that the southwest monsoon officially finished, a rare occurrence indeed.
Understanding the Two Monsoons of India
The Indian climate experiences two distinct monsoon seasons – the southwest, or summer monsoon and the northeast, or winter monsoon.
The southwest monsoon progresses from sea to land after crossing the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal, bringing with it the bulk of the country’s rainfall. It is estimated that this monsoon accounts for 75% of India’s annual rainfall. The name “southwest monsoon” comes from the direction it travels, from southwest to northeast.
On the other hand, the northeast monsoon blows from land to sea. Rainfall during this period mainly affects southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Telangana and Karnataka.
| Monsoon Type | Direction | Main Impact Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Monsoon | Sea to Land | All over India |
| Northeast Monsoon | Land to Sea | Southern States of India |
The Role of India Meteorological Department (IMD)
The IMD, established in 1875, is a key agency under the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India. It holds primary responsibility for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and seismology in the region.
Whether it’s the southwest monsoon or the northeast monsoon, the IMD plays a crucial role in measuring and predicting weather patterns. These forecasts not only help citizens prepare for weather events but also assist in shaping government policy, agriculture, and disaster management.
