Climate Change is Making the Monsoon More Dangerous
In the early hours of June 28th, a thunderous downpour marked the arrival of the monsoon in Delhi, resulting in 23cm of rain within 24 hours – the most rain the city has seen in a single day since 1966. This extreme weather event caused significant damage, including the collapse of an airport terminal roof and multiple fatalities.
Extreme rainfall events have become more frequent in India since the mid-20th century, likely exacerbated by global warming. The monsoon, which ideally brings consistent rain from June to September, is now marked by unpredictable and intense downpours. This variability is problematic for agriculture, with farmers struggling to adjust their sowing and harvesting schedules to the erratic weather patterns.
A warmer atmosphere, capable of holding more moisture, and warmer oceans, contributing to increased evaporation, are primary factors behind these changes. Studies predict that for every degree Celsius of global temperature rise, monsoon precipitation could increase by 5.3%, often resulting in heavy, concentrated rainfall.
The impact on agriculture is profound, as 60% of India’s farms depend solely on monsoon rains. Delays and erratic rainfall patterns can significantly disrupt crop cycles. While national and regional forecasting has improved, local predictions remain challenging, and unforeseen deluges continue to catch communities off guard.
Enhancing data collection is a key step toward better forecasting. Companies like Skymet are expanding their network of sensors, and the government is supporting the installation of tens of thousands more across various states. Better data will improve local weather models, aiding in more accurate predictions.
However, forecasting alone is insufficient. Adaptation measures are crucial to mitigate the monsoon’s adverse effects. Farms need advanced irrigation systems to manage both droughts and heavy rains. Building new reservoirs and reactivating old ones can help store excess rainwater. Urban areas require improved drainage systems to handle sudden deluges. While some Indian cities have developed plans to cope with heat waves, similar efforts are needed to address flooding.
Proactive planning and infrastructure development are essential to adapt to the increasingly erratic monsoon. Delaying these efforts could lead to further disasters in future monsoon seasons.
Climate Change is Making the Monsoon More Dangerous: The monsoon in India is becoming increasingly hazardous due to climate change. On June 28th, Delhi experienced a record 23cm of rain in 24 hours, leading to fatalities and infrastructure damage. Extreme rain events in India have been rising since the mid-20th century, influenced by global warming. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, leading to heavier downpours. This variability in the monsoon is problematic for agriculture, which relies heavily on predictable rainfall. Improved forecasting and adaptation measures, such as better irrigation and drainage systems, are crucial for mitigating the impact of these increasingly erratic and severe weather patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How is climate change affecting the monsoon in India? A1: Climate change is making the monsoon more variable and intense. The frequency of extreme rain days has increased, and heavier downpours are more common. A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, contributing to these changes.
Q2: What are the consequences of a more variable monsoon? A2: The variability of the monsoon affects agriculture, as farmers rely on predictable rainfall for sowing and harvesting crops. It also increases the risk of floods and droughts, sometimes occurring in the same season, leading to infrastructure damage and fatalities.
Q3: How is the rainfall distribution changing in India? A3: Some regions in north-central India are getting drier, while other parts of the country experience more intense rainfall. This uneven distribution complicates water management and agricultural planning.
Q4: What steps are being taken to improve monsoon forecasting? A4: Improved data collection is crucial. Companies like Skymet are using thousands of sensors across the country to gather data, and there are plans to increase the number of sensors significantly. Better cooperation between government agencies is also needed to enhance forecasting accuracy.
Q5: What adaptation measures are recommended to cope with the changing monsoon? A5: Adaptation measures include developing better irrigation systems, building and reactivating reservoirs to store excess rainfall, and improving drainage systems in cities and villages. Additionally, integrating flood management into urban planning, similar to existing heat action plans, is essential.
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