Summer 2024 rainfall summary for North India

 

The summer of 2024 in North India has seen significant rainfall, with the region experiencing both beneficial and extreme weather patterns. 

1. Overall Rainfall Patterns: From June 1 to July 8, 2024, North India received an actual rainfall of 234.6 mm, slightly above the normal 230.4 mm, marking a 1.82% increase. The region witnessed a notable surge in rainfall activity after an initial deficit of 10% at the end of June.

2. Heavy Rainfall and Flooding: Several factors contributed to unusually heavy rains in North India:

   - Interaction of Weather Systems: The interaction between the western disturbance (a low-pressure system originating from the Mediterranean) and the monsoon trough (a low-pressure zone along the monsoon wind belt) has been a primary driver of intense rainfall in the region. This interaction led to heavy downpours in areas like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Haryana.

   - Climate Change Effects: Climate change has exacerbated these weather patterns by increasing the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events. The extra moisture in the atmosphere and orographic lifting (where moist air is forced to rise over mountain ranges) have contributed to severe rains and subsequent flooding.

   - Synoptic Conditions: Similar to the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, the current heavy rains are attributed to synoptic conditions involving active monsoon phases, strong easterly winds, and upper-level divergence.

3. Impact on Regions: While North India overall saw a 2% excess in rainfall, there were significant regional disparities. Northwest India experienced a 59% excess, whereas peninsular India and east/northeast India faced deficiencies of 23% and 17%, respectively.

These rainfall patterns have led to widespread impacts, including landslides, flash floods, and infrastructural damage, emphasizing the need for improved forecasting and disaster management strategies in the region.