With the astonishing simultaneous arrival in Delhi and Mumbai after 62 years, the monsoon's unique characteristics and widespread impact set the stage for an extraordinary weather spectacle.
In an extraordinary turn of events, this year's monsoon season has captivated the nation with its unprecedented and unique characteristics. According to Dr. Naresh Kumar, a senior scientist at the India Meteorological Department, the monsoon has reached an astounding 80 percent of India, breaking previous records for its rapid advancement, as NDTV reported.
The meteorological marvel began when a low pressure area materialized in the Bay of Bengal, propelling the monsoon's swift progression across different parts of the country. Astonishingly, the monsoon made a remarkable appearance in both Delhi and Mumbai on the same day, an event that had not occurred in over six decades, as disclosed by Dr. Kumar.
Traditionally, Mumbai experiences the monsoon's arrival around June 11, while Delhi expects it around June 27. However, this simultaneous arrival in both metropolitan cities cannot be immediately attributed to climate change, as Dr. Kumar emphasized that determining such a connection requires an analysis of data spanning several decades.
The monsoon's journey this year has been marked by a distinct pattern, deviating from the norm. Driven by high-speed winds generated by the aforementioned low pressure zone, the monsoon reached various regions with remarkable speed, resulting in abundant rainfall. Coincidentally, the western winds originating from the Arabian Sea, which facilitate the monsoon's progression, aligned perfectly with the formation of the low pressure zone over Maharashtra in the Bay of Bengal. This convergence resulted in substantial precipitation across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, while simultaneously pushing winds towards northwestern India, notably reaching Delhi.
However, not all regions have been fortunate in receiving rainfall. Clouds over Assam have dissipated, and the forecast does not predict significant precipitation in the area. On the other hand, Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag and several other regions are expected to receive approximately 12 cm of rainfall, bringing relief to parched lands.
While the monsoon's arrival has brought much-needed respite from scorching heat, it has also unleashed a series of challenges. Heavy rainfall and flash floods have struck various parts of the country, creating a flood-like situation in several cities. Today, the weather office has issued warnings for Punjab and Haryana, anticipating heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds. These conditions are expected to persist for the next two days.
In a distressing development, Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district has been hit by flash floods, leaving over 200 individuals stranded, including numerous tourists. Heart-wrenching visuals depict the aftermath of the floods, with several vehicles damaged and swept away in Kullu.