Weather Systems Behind Monsoon Deluge in Northwest India

Monsoon Deluge in Northwest India: Explained

What caused the recent Severe rainfall and Flooding in northwest India?

The severe rainfall was caused by a rare and complex interaction between two Weather systems: a Low-pressure area and a Western disturbance. Normally, these systems do not interact in such a way during the monsoon season to cause extreme precipitation in this region.

What is a low-pressure system in this context?

A low-pressure system is a large area where atmospheric pressure is lower than its surroundings. It acts like a vacuum, drawing in moisture and air. In this event, a cyclonic circulation associated with the low-pressure system stalled over the region, pulling moisture from lower atmospheric levels and intensifying the rainfall.

What is a western disturbance and what role did it play?

A western disturbance is a storm system that originates in the Mediterranean region. It typically brings rain or snow to the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent during the winter months. In this case, an unusually active western disturbance moved eastward and lingered over northwest India, acting as a catalyst by supplying a large amount of moisture that fueled the intense rain.

How did the two systems interact to cause the deluge?

The western disturbance provided a continuous supply of moisture, while the low-pressure system and its associated cyclonic circulation provided the mechanism to convert that moisture into heavy rainfall. This unusual combination and prolonged interaction led to the extreme and widespread deluge.

Is this type of event common?

No. This specific type of interaction between a low-pressure system and a western disturbance, leading to such an intense monsoon deluge, is rare. It was the result of an uncommon and prolonged combination of weather phenomena.