Low Pressure & MJO Boost Early Monsoon Coverage

Low Pressure Systems & MJO: Driving Early Monsoon Coverage

Why It’s in the News

  • Early Arrival: The southwest monsoon covered India by June 29, 9 days ahead of its normal date of July 8, significantly impacting weather conditions across the country.
  • Rare Occurrence: This marks only the 10th instance since 1960 of full June coverage, affecting the long period average for monsoon patterns.
  • Initial Onset: The monsoon hit Kerala on May 24, 8 days early, aided by the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), influencing early-season crop production.

Low Pressure & MJO Boost Early Monsoon Coverage

Meteorological Factors Behind Early Coverage

Low Pressure Systems

  • Formation of five systems in June drew moisture-laden winds.
  • This accelerated monsoon advance, affecting weather conditions across regions.

Active MJO Phase

  • Enhanced cloud activity over southern India helped push monsoon winds northward.
  • This phenomenon significantly influenced regional rainfall patterns.

Monsoon Trough

  • Its southerly position pulled in moisture, speeding up countrywide rainfall.
  • This is crucial for early-season agricultural activities and could impact the adoption of renewable energy in farming practices.

Neutral ENSO & IOD

  • Both climate drivers were in neutral phases.
  • This ensured no suppression of monsoon rainfall, benefiting the farming community.

Rainfall Performance in June 2024

Overall Gain

  • All-India rainfall was 180 mm, 9% above normal.
  • This positively impacted early crop production and could influence minimum support prices.

Central India

  • Recorded 212.6 mm, 24.8% above normal.
  • This reversed deficit trends since 2022, boosting prospects for rice production.

Northeast Deficit

  • Rainfall was 16.9% below normal.
  • This continues a 3-year deficiency, affecting agricultural planning in the region.

State-wise Variations

  • Manipur and Mizoram saw normal rains.
  • Many others including Delhi, Bihar, and Assam fell short.
  • This necessitates adaptive farm practices and potentially increases interest in sustainable water management solutions, including the use of renewable energy for irrigation systems.

FACTORS AFFECTING MONSOON IN INDIA
– Low-pressure systems: Pull in moist air, triggering rain.
– Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO): Affects cloud formation and wind flow near the equator.
– ENSO: El Niño weakens, La Niña strengthens Indian monsoon.
– IOD: Positive IOD enhances, negative IOD suppresses rainfall over India.
– Monsoon trough: Its position and intensity influence rainfall distribution.