Retreating Monsoon

Source for Retreating Monsoon: Hindustan Times
GS I: Geography

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Impact on Crops
3. About Retreating Monsoon
4. In summary

Why in the News?

The monsoon will begin withdrawing from west Rajasthan around September 25, roughly 8 days later than when it usually begins receding,

• A recent surge in rains has cut a 10% deficiency in precipitation at the end of August to 6%.

News in Brief

• The withdrawal or Retreating Monsoon from western Rajasthan typically begins on September 17.
• Across the next five days, there is a likelihood that there will be less rainfall across northwest and neighbouring west-central India.
• Rain between June 1 and September 22 at 780.3 mm has been 6 per cent less than normal.
• The rainy season followed an uneven pattern this year.
• It arrived late and then didn’t pick up in a big way,
• This led to almost a 9 per cent shortfall in June.
• Then when it gathered pace, it poured and precipitation in July was a surplus of 13 per cent.

Impact on Crops

• This pushed up the sowing of Kharif crops and eased concern about water stress for the crops planted.
• It is believed to have helped the standing sugarcane and pulses crops in Maharashtra and Karnataka and the oilseeds crop in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. In eastern India it helped paddy.
• Till September 22, kharif crops were sown in around 110.29 million hectares, which is 0.34 per cent more than the area covered during the same period last year and 0.70 per cent more than the normal acreage (which is the average acreage of the last five years).
• Rice acreage, which was lagging till the end of July, picked up strongly from August after the rains revived over eastern parts of the country.

About Retreating Monsoon

The retreating monsoon, also known as the northeast monsoon or post-monsoon season, is a weather phenomenon that occurs in the Indian subcontinent and some surrounding regions. It marks the transition from the wet monsoon season to the dry season.

Key features and characteristics of the retreating monsoon

• Timing
  • Occurs from approximately September to November in the Indian subcontinent.
  • It is the reverse of the onset of the southwest monsoon, which typically arrives in June.
• Direction of Winds
  • During this season, the prevailing winds reverse their direction.
  • In the southwest monsoon, moist air is drawn from the Indian Ocean towards the landmass.
  • In the retreating monsoon, the winds flow from the landmass back towards the Indian Ocean.
• Rainfall Pattern
  • The retreating monsoon is associated with decreasing rainfall across the Indian subcontinent.
  • As the southwest monsoon withdraws, areas that receive heavy rainfall during the wet season experience a reduction in precipitation.
• Northeast Monsoon
  • In some regions of India, particularly the southeastern coastal areas and the northeastern states, the retreating monsoon is often referred to as the northeast monsoon.
  • This is because these regions receive significant rainfall during this period due to moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal.
• Crop Harvesting
  • The retreating monsoon coincides with the harvesting of many crops, such as rice and cotton, in India.
  • Farmers rely on the monsoon rains for irrigation during the wet season, but during the retreating monsoon, they often use stored water reserves for irrigation.
• Weather Conditions
  • As the monsoon retreats, temperatures in many parts of India begin to drop, and humidity levels decrease.
  • This transition period can be characterized by cooler and drier weather.
  • The temperature drops with clear skies as a result of reduced clouds.
  • The pressure gradient becomes low.
  • Tamil Nadu and northeast India receive abundant rainfall during this period.
  • Reduced humidity in the region will be experienced.
• Cyclones
  • The season can also bring the risk of cyclones and tropical storms, particularly in coastal areas.
  • These storms are fueled by the temperature differences between the landmass and the warm ocean waters.
• Variability
  • The timing and intensity can vary from year to year.
  • Factors like El Niño and La Niña events in the Pacific Ocean can influence monsoon patterns and impact the retreating monsoon’s behaviour.
• Impact on Water Resources
  • The critical period for replenishing water resources, including groundwater aquifers and reservoirs, which are essential for agriculture and drinking water supply in India.

In summary

• The retreating monsoon is a significant seasonal change in the Indian subcontinent’s climate.
• Marking the end of the wet monsoon season and the transition to drier and cooler conditions.
• It plays a crucial role in agriculture, water management, and weather patterns in the region.

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