Southwest Monsoon Halt Causes Widespread Drought Across India

After hitting 19 states in the country, the southwest monsoon has suddenly stopped. For the last 11 days, it has remained over Telangana, due to which about seven states in north and central India are craving for rain. This pause has had a direct impact on the rainfall data. Between June 1 and 18, the entire country has recorded about 38 percent less than normal rainfall. Gujarat and Maharashtra are the worst affected by this lack of rain. According to the Meteorological Department, five different seasonal changes at the same time have blocked the path of the monsoon. The biggest reason for this break is the weakening of the moist winds from the Arabian Sea, which usually push the monsoon clouds further into the Indian territory. Also, the southwest winds over the Arabian Sea have become sluggish, which is not able to deliver enough moisture to Maharashtra and its adjacent areas. The winds that cross the equator have almost exhausted the moisture, which we should expect in the Bay of Bengal.