India's monsoon has turned wild. Half of the country is reeling under floods after extraordinary downpours, with Punjab facing its worst deluge since 1988.
Some parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan saw rains more than 1,000% above normal in just 24 hours, according to the Indian Meteorology Department (IMD). Between 28 August and 3 September, rainfall in northwest India was 180% above average, and in the south, it was 73%. More heavy rain is forecast across large parts of the country this week. The rains have caused landslides and floods in several parts, inundating villages and towns and killing hundreds.
The climate crisis is changing the behaviour of the monsoon. Scientists say there is a much higher amount of moisture in the air now due to global warming, affecting rainfall patterns. Traditionally, monsoon rains were steady, but now they often fall in heavy volumes in a short span of time following prolonged dry spells, particularly affecting mountainous regions.
In August, prolonged heavy rainfall lashing states like Punjab and Haryana was attributed to the interaction between the monsoon and westerly disturbances, causing a rare atmospheric “tango” that intensified weather activities. Scientists report that unusual activities of jet streams, influenced by global warming, have led to significant deviations in weather patterns.
Extreme rainfalls are not the only factor contributing to floods; human activities like illegal settlements on river paths and inadequate infrastructure also play a crucial role. Experts emphasize the importance of addressing these issues to minimize future losses during such climatic events.
