The Indian monsoon describes the interchanging seasonal ocean current pattern seen in the tropical areas of the eastern Indian Ocean. Generally speaking, during summer the wind blows from the west. In winter the winds are directed eastward. As such the direction and speed with which the winds blow have a profound effect on the weather conditions in India. The monsoon rains in India is caused by the differences in the orientation and flow of the ocean currents.
The Indian monsoon is characterized by the presence of two front lines – a front along the east-west border of India and a front along the centre of the Indian peninsula. These Indian monsoon winds move over the peninsulas and depressions of Indian peninsula. Here they get mixed with easterly winds and Gulf Stream winds. Along with these two winds, moist air is also carried across. This moist air can help trigger heavy rainfall over the Indian peninsula.
The influence of Indian monsoons on global weather is evident in the form of a ‘cyclical rainfall pattern’. This is a general term used for the occurrence of at least four consecutive rainy seasons over an Indian monsoon period. When talking of global rainfall, it is necessary to take into consideration the influence of western monsoons on rainfall. The Indian monsoon has a large role to play in the transfer of moisture from the North Eastern Himalayas to lower latitudes of the Indian peninsula.
The Indian monsoon winds are also responsible for transferring the moisture from the Ocean to Indian sub-tropical regions. As the monsoons roll in from east to west, this transfer of moisture starts its journey from the Indian Ocean and ends at the Arabian Sea. Indian monsoon winds also help transfer the moisture from the Indian Ocean to upper reaches of Indian continental slopes. As a result, the summer season in Northern India is characterized by the presence of heavy rainfall. In the Southern region, monsoons help keep the summer season dry.
The Indian monsoon has its own effects on climatic conditions in India. The humidity is increased in the Southern part of India during the monsoons. The increased humidity results in a moist atmosphere which further becomes the growth ground for the occurrence of heat waves. Heat waves are known for their extreme nature. However, they are the least of all the weather conditions that affect climatic conditions in India.
Monsoons have a great effect on the Indian weather conditions. They cause drying up of the air mass and the moisture-laden winds push the water masses into the land mass. As a result, heavy rainfall takes place. This heavy rainfall is in one period only. So, this form of precipitation is termed as “monsoon” after the end of monsoons.
The moisture-laden winds create high pressure. High pressure tends to drag the warm air from the ocean towards the land mass. This warm air further increases the temperature of the land and this in turn leads to heavy rainfall. Thus, monsoons have an important role to play in Indian weather conditions. Monsoons have a marked influence on the rainfall, cloudiness, wind system, and humidity, among other climatic conditions of India.
Indian monsoon brings about a heavy rainfall during the rainy season. The increased moisture laden winds help move the water masses from the land mass to the sea mass. As a result, heavy rains characterize the Indian monsoon. Although, there is a difference in the wet and dry seasons, the monsoons bring about a marked change in the climatic conditions across the country. The hot weather season is characterized by bright sunny days, while the monsoon season is characterized by showers throughout the country. Monsoons have their own influence on the Indian weather season and also bring about changes in the Indian weather and atmosphere.