STATISTICAL HISTORY
Data By: IMD
India has preserved long record of climate data as compared to other countries. The record-keeping began in 1796, where the first data was recorded in Chennai. India depends directly or indirectly on monsoon. In-fact, the whole South Asia depends on the monsoon winds. Life comes to a standstill if there is no water, and the water is gifted by the nature to us by the means of rain.
The graph is a long period average of the monsoon data from 1880 to 1990. In this graph, 0% depicts the normal rainfall of the country, while the positive numbers above 0% represent the percentage of rainfall above the normal. The same is reverse in the negative numbers, which show the negative departure of rainfall from the normal. The reason we have taken 10-year running mean is that it is very simple to present long period averages, as compared to the smaller scales.
As seen in the graph, Monsoon is very fluctuating. It may be about 6% above normal like in the decade 1890-1900, and also be as low as -8% like in 1900-1910. This makes the monsoon difficult to predict. However, the monsoon has never failed to arrive. It may be uncertain, but it has always arrived in the Indian Subcontinent.
This graph also shows that the nature operates within its limits. The red line superimposed on the graph suggests that the monsoon follows a recurring trend. So, its not a big thing to worry about if the media says that the monsoon has failed this year. The monsoon has its own trend and will always recover if there has been very less rainfall in a period.
The graph depicts the average rainfall of the country as a whole. There may be regional differences in the amount of precipitation. Thus, the graph cannot be used to forecast monsoon of a particular region of India, but the country as a whole.
Monsoon is India's only source of fresh drinking water. It is located between the three seas - The Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, however, the water is not fit for consuming. It is important for every Indian who depends on the rains for his living. If the monsoon fails to achieve the normal rainfall, drought and famine may occur in many parts of the country where water is scarce. There are ill effects of extreme rainfall also. Floods destroy homes and crops which indirectly affect the economy of the country.
There are countries which get scanty rainfall. Countries like Ethiopia and Australia do not get a lot of rain by seasonal winds. We are fortunate enough to get rainfall in order to fulfill our needs. So, every Indian and every person in this entire globe must conserve water.
By observing the graph closely, you will get to know that 80% of the rainfall in India is above normal. The rest 20% comes below normal, which is not a reason to worry about. As we have told above, the monsoon follows a trend over a long period of time.
Rainy season is much awaited in India, in northern part of the country specially, because of warm and dull summers. In India, in summers, temperature rises to 47° C (about 116°F). There’s a deadly warm wind blowing whole day as well, which is called “Loo” in North and West of India. And daytime in summer means try to be indoors. After 3 months of hot summer, when the rain drops touch the ground, it naturally feels like life is back. Environment goes greener and greener. For 3 months of summer, farmers have nothing to do but rainy season brings them back to their job and this is also the start of a new academic year in schools and colleges.
Young couples go on long drives on bikes to soak in the rain getting respite from the sweltering summer heat. Mothers breathe easy as cooking is now a joy, the food gets tastier , as inventing edible food cuisines in summer when the palate is dry and tasteless is a test of every mother's cookmanship- if any such expression exists ,not forgetting the hardship of cooking with perspiration trickling down the spine, from the forehead into the eyes... !
In villages and towns and cities if there is dam water shortage and its required for drinking purposes, then electric supply is curtailed for long hours during summer , no one can imagine the delight of the monsoon clouds that bring rain and relieve one from perspiration and dehydration and resumption of normal electric supply!One learns to value natural resources
Rides in public transport are now enjoyable with no foul smelling clothes form co-passengers due to summer heat :)
Please bear with us for being so bland but these experiences too are fun.....
The graph is a long period average of the monsoon data from 1880 to 1990. In this graph, 0% depicts the normal rainfall of the country, while the positive numbers above 0% represent the percentage of rainfall above the normal. The same is reverse in the negative numbers, which show the negative departure of rainfall from the normal. The reason we have taken 10-year running mean is that it is very simple to present long period averages, as compared to the smaller scales.
As seen in the graph, Monsoon is very fluctuating. It may be about 6% above normal like in the decade 1890-1900, and also be as low as -8% like in 1900-1910. This makes the monsoon difficult to predict. However, the monsoon has never failed to arrive. It may be uncertain, but it has always arrived in the Indian Subcontinent.
This graph also shows that the nature operates within its limits. The red line superimposed on the graph suggests that the monsoon follows a recurring trend. So, its not a big thing to worry about if the media says that the monsoon has failed this year. The monsoon has its own trend and will always recover if there has been very less rainfall in a period.
The graph depicts the average rainfall of the country as a whole. There may be regional differences in the amount of precipitation. Thus, the graph cannot be used to forecast monsoon of a particular region of India, but the country as a whole.
Monsoon is India's only source of fresh drinking water. It is located between the three seas - The Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, however, the water is not fit for consuming. It is important for every Indian who depends on the rains for his living. If the monsoon fails to achieve the normal rainfall, drought and famine may occur in many parts of the country where water is scarce. There are ill effects of extreme rainfall also. Floods destroy homes and crops which indirectly affect the economy of the country.
There are countries which get scanty rainfall. Countries like Ethiopia and Australia do not get a lot of rain by seasonal winds. We are fortunate enough to get rainfall in order to fulfill our needs. So, every Indian and every person in this entire globe must conserve water.
By observing the graph closely, you will get to know that 80% of the rainfall in India is above normal. The rest 20% comes below normal, which is not a reason to worry about. As we have told above, the monsoon follows a trend over a long period of time.
Rainy season is much awaited in India, in northern part of the country specially, because of warm and dull summers. In India, in summers, temperature rises to 47° C (about 116°F). There’s a deadly warm wind blowing whole day as well, which is called “Loo” in North and West of India. And daytime in summer means try to be indoors. After 3 months of hot summer, when the rain drops touch the ground, it naturally feels like life is back. Environment goes greener and greener. For 3 months of summer, farmers have nothing to do but rainy season brings them back to their job and this is also the start of a new academic year in schools and colleges.
Young couples go on long drives on bikes to soak in the rain getting respite from the sweltering summer heat. Mothers breathe easy as cooking is now a joy, the food gets tastier , as inventing edible food cuisines in summer when the palate is dry and tasteless is a test of every mother's cookmanship- if any such expression exists ,not forgetting the hardship of cooking with perspiration trickling down the spine, from the forehead into the eyes... !
In villages and towns and cities if there is dam water shortage and its required for drinking purposes, then electric supply is curtailed for long hours during summer , no one can imagine the delight of the monsoon clouds that bring rain and relieve one from perspiration and dehydration and resumption of normal electric supply!One learns to value natural resources
Rides in public transport are now enjoyable with no foul smelling clothes form co-passengers due to summer heat :)
Please bear with us for being so bland but these experiences too are fun.....
Statistical data and logic can't go vain , they provide insight to provide for future gain
Background Music(Monsoon time mood): Milind Sheorey on Flute (Bansuri)