Rain – Bearing Systems and Rainfall Distribution
The intensity of rainfall over the west coast of India is related to two factors:
- The offshore meteorological conditions.
- The position of the equatorial jet stream along the eastern coast of Africa.
There seem to be two rain-bearing systems in India:
- First, that originate in the Bay of Bengal causing rainfall over the plains of north India.
- Second is the Arabian Sea current of the southwest monsoon which brings rain to the west coast of India.
Much of the rainfall along the Western Ghats is orographic as the moist air is obstructed and forced to rise along the Ghats.
Southwest Monsoon Season| Class 11 Geography Notes
The Southwest Monsoon Season or the Rainy season starts its journey in June and continues till September. This season is noticeable by the onset and advance of the monsoon where the winds blow from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal towards the land.
These winds carry moisture along with them. When these winds hit or strike the mountain barriers, rainfall starts. The onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala, i.e. the first point of entry into India’s mainland, is usually on June 1st. The country receives nearly 75% of its annual rainfall.
In this article, we will explore its onsets, factors, branches, and characteristics.