India's monsoon has turned wild. Half of the country is reeling under floods after extraordinary downpours, with Punjab facing its worst deluge since 1988. Some parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan saw rains more than 1,000% above normal in just 24 hours, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Between August 28 and September 3, rainfall in northwest India was 180% above average, while in the south, it was 73%. Sadly, the rains have caused landslides and inundated villages, leading to hundreds of casualties.
The climate crisis is changing the behavior of the monsoon. Scientists have noted a significant increase in the amount of moisture in the air due to warmer climate conditions. Unlike the steady rains of the past, today’s monsoon often delivers heavy downpours in short bursts, especially during extended dry spells. This pattern has resulted in devastating 'cloudbursts,' particularly affecting mountainous regions.
In August, additional heavy rainfall hit states like Punjab and Haryana due to a rare interaction between the monsoon system and westerly disturbances originating from the Mediterranean. These encounters led to intense weather activity that has not been common during the monsoon season.
As the monsoon continues through the season, many experts warn that the combination of climate change, unstable mountain ecosystems, and human encroachment on floodplains and river pathways will worsen flooding and landslide risks across India. Urgent measures are needed to address these environmental challenges and prevent further tragedies.
The climate crisis is changing the behavior of the monsoon. Scientists have noted a significant increase in the amount of moisture in the air due to warmer climate conditions. Unlike the steady rains of the past, today’s monsoon often delivers heavy downpours in short bursts, especially during extended dry spells. This pattern has resulted in devastating 'cloudbursts,' particularly affecting mountainous regions.
In August, additional heavy rainfall hit states like Punjab and Haryana due to a rare interaction between the monsoon system and westerly disturbances originating from the Mediterranean. These encounters led to intense weather activity that has not been common during the monsoon season.
As the monsoon continues through the season, many experts warn that the combination of climate change, unstable mountain ecosystems, and human encroachment on floodplains and river pathways will worsen flooding and landslide risks across India. Urgent measures are needed to address these environmental challenges and prevent further tragedies.
