Experts have predicted that the monsoon season in India this year will be a record-breaking one, with above-normal rainfall forecasted across the country. This is due to various factors such as a La Nina event in the Pacific, warm sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean, and a weakening of the El Nino phenomenon. The enhanced rainfall is expected to benefit the agricultural sector, which accounts for a significant portion of the country’s economy, by increasing soil moisture and resulting in increased crop yield. However, excessive rainfall could also cause delayed harvests and reduced quality of crops. The government is taking measures to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall and floods.
Experts Predict Record-Breaking Monsoon Season Ahead
The monsoon season is considered to be the lifeline of the Indian subcontinent with millions of farmers depending on it for agricultural purposes. The onset of monsoon is eagerly awaited every year. Experts have predicted that the monsoon season in 2021 is going to be a record-breaking one. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted above-normal rainfall across the country.
Factors contributing to the prediction
The forecast has been based on various factors such as a La Nina event in the Pacific, warm sea temperatures in the Indian Ocean, and a weakening of the El Nino phenomenon. A La Nina event is associated with the cooling of the sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean which results in an increase in rainfall across the Indian subcontinent. Similarly, warm sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean contribute to enhanced rainfall during the monsoon season.
Experts have also cited the weakening of the El Nino phenomenon as a significant factor for the predicted above-normal monsoon. The El Nino phenomenon, which is characterized by warmer than usual sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, has been known to weaken the Indian monsoon season in the past.
Impact on agriculture
The above-normal rainfall predicted for this year’s monsoon season is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s agriculture. The enhanced rainfall will increase the soil moisture and result in increased crop yield. The agricultural sector, which accounts for a significant portion of the Indian economy, is expected to benefit greatly from the record-breaking monsoon season.
However, excessive rainfall could also lead to delayed harvests and reduced quality of crops. Floods and landslides caused by heavy rainfall could negatively impact the agricultural sector and cause significant damage to infrastructure.
Preparation for the monsoon season
Preparation for the monsoon season is an essential aspect of disaster management in India. The government has already started taking measures such as desilting of canals and drainage systems, repair of embankments, and strengthening of coastal infrastructure to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall and floods.
Individuals are also advised to take necessary precautions such as clearing drainage systems around their homes, storing food and water, and being vigilant during heavy rainfall.
FAQs
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What is the monsoon season?
The monsoon season is a weather phenomenon characterized by the seasonal reversal of winds and significant rainfall across the Indian subcontinent. The monsoon season is essential for the Indian economy as agriculture depends heavily on it.
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What is La Nina?
La Nina is a weather phenomenon characterized by cooling of sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. La Nina results in increased rainfall across the Indian subcontinent during the monsoon season.
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What is El Nino?
El Nino is a weather phenomenon characterized by warmer than usual sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. El Nino has been known to weaken the Indian monsoon season in the past.
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How will the predicted above-normal rainfall impact agriculture?
The above-normal rainfall predicted for this year’s monsoon season is expected to increase soil moisture resulting in increased crop yield. However, excessive rainfall could also lead to delayed harvests and reduced quality of crops.
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What measures are being taken to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall and floods?
The government has already started taking measures such as desilting of canals and drainage systems, repair of embankments, and strengthening of coastal infrastructure to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall and floods.
