Monsoon Trough

Recent news highlights the unusually dry August in India, marking the driest since 1901, with only 162.7 mm of rainfall and a deficit of 36 percent compared to the average August rainfall of 254.9 mm.

This topic of “Monsoon Trough” is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination, which falls under General Studies Portion.

Understanding the Monsoon Trough

Trough: Belt of Low Pressure

A trough signifies an elongated belt of low atmospheric pressure.
It extends over a significant area and affects local weather conditions.

Monsoon Trough: Influence during Monsoon Season

The Monsoon Trough is a specific type of trough that forms during the monsoon season.
It plays a crucial role in dictating the movement of the monsoon and rainfall patterns in India.

Positional Variations and Their Effects

Normal Position of the Trough

Route: Extends from Ganganagar to Allahabad, then from Calcutta to Head Bay.
Effects: This position brings adequate rainfall to Central India. The trough’s movement contributes to the development of strong wind currents along the west coast, blocked by the Sahyadri mountains. This leads to the formation of an offshore trough, bringing ample rainfall to the western coast.

Southward Shift of the Trough

Description: When the trough shifts south of its typical position.
Effects: Monsoon conditions intensify, resulting in excessive rainfall for Central India and the west coast, particularly due to the offshore trough. This positioning fosters the best conditions for the monsoon, spreading rainfall across Peninsular India.

Northward Shift of the Trough

Description: The trough moves north of its standard position, extending towards the foothills of the Himalayas.
Effects: Regions like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, and the Northeastern states experience heavy rainfall. This situation is called the “Break Monsoon,” characterized by reduced rainfall in the rest of India.