Monsoon Could Come Early, Offering Respite From Heat

Monsoon Could Come Early, Offering Respite From Heat

India’s record-breaking heatwave – with conditions so hot people’s flip flops are melting on the pavement – is set to be washed away as the monsoon arrives significantly earlier than expected. Southwest monsoon is likely to arrive in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) by June 15 this year, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said, bringing the much-needed relief from sultry weather.

Impact of the Early Monsoon

Temperatures Begin to Drop:

The northwestern and central parts of Indo-Gangetic plains will witness strong blowing of dry and hot winds ahead of the monsoon which will further intensify the prevailing temperature. Following the recent heat wave where Delhi soared to a maximum of 46°C, the sudden change is expected to bring relief to those living in the city."They will bring respite to Delhi, at least initially as the residents will get to feel the drop in temperature and then slowly the mercury will drop by a few points," Skymet said.

Some Relief From Heatwave:

For the millions of residents of cities like Delhi, there is something of a relief, too, in the early presence of the monsoon. Heatwaves are sweeping around the country and leaving people with dehydration, heatstroke, and exhaustion.

During the monsoon, evenings will be cooler and even the daytime temperature will drop and these will bring down the load on healthcare system and also lead to people feeling better.

The Monsoon and its part in rejuvenating the nature:

The monsoon will also serve to redress the balance in nature. As the extreme heat dries up plants, vegetation, and water resources, the rains will breathe life back into these, giving much-needed moisture to crops and filling up water bodies.

Farmers, especially from the grain bowls of Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, are eagerly awaiting the rains that are crucial for the kharif sowing season for crops like rice and maize.

Improvement in Air Quality:

The monsoon’s cooling effects will also help dissipate pollution and haze that have built up during the extended heatwave. However, the dust will be washed away by the rain and the air will see a dramatic improvement which would offer fresh and clean air.

Problems With the Early Monsoon:

The monsoon provides welcome relief but its own share of difficulties. Flash Flood: Flash floods are possibly formed in low-lying areas when they receive a lot of rain during an early rain, where the drainage systems are not prepared to dilute the heavy rain; so that the possibility of a lot of floods will emerge.

Furthermore, if there is sudden rain, due to underdeveloped infrastructure, major cities getting flooded and causing traffic jams may happen.

What to Look For in the Days Ahead

Showers in Cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata are expected to witness heavy showers as the monsoon moves in the northern direction. The monsoon will bring relief after the oppressive humidity and rising temperatures of the pre-monsoon period.

Respite for Other Affected Areas -- States like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan, which have been reeling under extreme heat, will witness a major dip in temperature, with people stepping out of homes without the lurking shadow of a heatstroke or exhaustion.

Higher Humidity: While it will be cooler, the monsoon season will also bring high humidity, which for some may feel sticky and uncomfortable, particularly in the dense, urban settlements around the country.