The traditional patterns of the Indian monsoon appear to be shifting, with an unusual surge in rainfall in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan during August and September in recent years. This change challenges the established understanding of the monsoon’s trajectory, which historically brought heavy rains to northern regions such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab.
Instead, the low-pressure systems that typically formed in the Bay of Bengal and moved northwest have increasingly followed an east-to-west path, resulting in above-normal rainfall in western and southwestern regions, including Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
Experts attribute this shift to climate change. Mahesh Palawat, Vice President of Skymet, notes that the changing rain patterns in various states are clear indicators of climate change. The trend, observed over the past four to five years, is marked by an increase in low-pressure areas and depressions following a westward trajectory, leading to frequent flooding and disruptions in typically drier areas.
Dr. Kasiapillai S. Kasiviswanathan from IIT Roorkee also emphasizes that studies have shown a regional shift in monsoon patterns, with reduced rainfall in northwestern India and increased precipitation in western and southwestern regions.
This evolving monsoon behavior has significant implications for water resources, agriculture, and disaster management across the affected states.
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