The ‘False Monsoon’ Effect: Why Early Rainfall Across North India Isn’t Signalling Real Seasonal Relief Yet
Early rainfall across North India may not signal true monsoon relief. Discover the ‘False Monsoon’ effect, weather patterns, and heatwave concerns.
North India is experiencing rain showers, thunderstorms and dramatic drops in temperature, all reminiscent of the arrival of the monsoon season. Many parts of the region are finding that after weeks of extreme heat, regions ranging from Delhi to parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan and Punjab are now experiencing cloudy skies and severe thunderstorms in the evening.
However, weather experts caution that what North India is currently experiencing is primarily just a temporary shift, or “false monsoon,” in their weather patterns, which appear to provide a respite from the hot summer months.
What Is the ‘False Monsoon’ Effect?
It is defined as:
1) The arrival of moisture (rainfall) before anticipated timing
2) The temperature will decrease, for a short time, making it appear much cooler and more humid.
What’s Really Causing the Rain?
1) Extreme Heat Is Destabilising the Atmosphere
When the surface of the earth becomes hot for a lengthy period of time:
a) The land becomes hot, creating hot air that rises quickly from the surface of the land
b) The heat of the rising air will continue to destabilise the atmosphere
Therefore creating an environment in which thunderstorms will form.
2) Moisture Is Moving Into North India
The Bay of Bengal is generating moisture (clouds) and mixing with the super-heated air in the northern plains of India.
The mixing of these two weather fronts results in:
1) Dark, heavy thunderclouds
2) Sudden evening thunderstorms
3) Lightning, high gusting winds
4) Intense periods of heavy rainfall
Why This Pattern Is Becoming More Common
Climate Change Is Increasing Weather Instability
- Because of Climate Change the Weather Has Become More Unpredictable
- Because of Global Warming, we have more:
- Heat in the atmosphere
- Water (Moisture) in the atmosphere
- Storm energy in the atmosphere
As a result of this:
- Seeing Stronger Pre-Monsoon Thunderstorms
- Sudden Weather Changes
Tips To Stay Safe
- Continue heat precautions even after it rains
- Keep Hydrated
- Stay indoors during humid afternoons
- Make sure the Air in your Home is Moving to Reduce Moisture Buildup
- Do not assume it is cooler at night that the heat wave will stop
Final Words
While the Rain we recently had in Northern India may seem like the end of the heat, the Weather Patterns are still very unstable. The key message to remember is that this is only a break from the heat – not the end of the heat.
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FAQs
1. Did the Monsoon Start Early?
No, the Rain we are currently receiving is mostly Pre-Monsoon Rains.
2. Why is it Cooling Off?
Because of the Thunderstorm it has dropped the Temperature.
3. Will the heat come back after the rain?
Yes – Normally will come back very quickly.
4. When will the Real Monsoon Relief Arrive?
Normally by the End of June in Northern India.
