Seems like nature has skipped the summers!!!

In many parts of India, weather patterns have been anything but normal of late. While the month of April is often associated with the arrival of warmer weather and the start of summer, this year has been different. The month of April has been characterized by heavy rain and even snowfall in the Himalayan regions, giving a monsoon feeling in the summers. The sudden change in weather patterns has left many wondering what is causing this unusual phenomenon.

Unusual April Weather Sparks Speculation

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the average maximum temperature and the highest recorded maximum temperature in April 2021 were similar to those observed in April 2020.

The average maximum temperature for April 2021 was 35.32 degrees. Celsius, significantly lower than the average of 40.2 degrees in 2019 and 37.3 degrees in 2020. In 2020, April recorded an average of 35.3 degrees Celsius, according to IMD data.

The western disturbances (WD) that hit northern India in April brought unexpected amounts of rain to many areas. Delhi, for example, recorded 20.1mm of rain in April, the highest since 26.9mm was recorded in 2017. The trend was seen in many other states, with some experiencing even heavier rains and cooler temperatures than in previous years.

In Himachal Pradesh, unexpected snowfall brought traffic to a standstill on the Manali-Leh highway. Similarly, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed heavy snowfall in the upper reaches, causing a significant drop in temperatures.

In Uttarakhand, prolonged rains triggered landslides, blocking roads and cutting off access to many areas. The cool temperatures and extended periods of rain have created an unusual setting for the summer season, leading many to wonder about the potential implications of this change in weather patterns.

This unexpected change in weather patterns has left many people wondering about its implications for the future. Some experts believe that the change in temperature and precipitation could be attributed to climate change and global warming.

Impact of April Rainfall on Monsoon

M Rajeevan, former Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences said that the current low levels of heating during April and May could have an impact on the arrival of the monsoon season from the southwest.

He explained that when there is less heating in heatwave-prone areas like northwestern India, it creates an area of low pressure that is essential for the monsoon. If this low pressure does not form, it weakens the monsoon circulation and delays its start. Although it may not affect the total monsoon season, it could still affect the timing of the monsoon arrival.

During the months of April to June, as the sun's rays move north and heat the Arabian Sea and the land at the same latitude, an area of low pressure is created. The land absorbs the heat, creating a crucial band of intense heat and low pressure known as the monsoon trough, where moisture-laden winds blowing from the Arabian Sea mostly convert to rain.

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