Incessant heavy rainfall and floods occurring over peninsular India indicate a radical change in the monsoon patterns. The IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) report, published on March 30, 2021 showed the variability and changes in the monsoon rainfalls of 29 states and Union territories at state as well as district levels.
Conversations with home-based female workers in the city of Ahmedabad have revealed that abnormal weather patterns (caused due to climate change) are negatively impacting their working conditions and quality of life.
A recent study by the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Dehradun, found that nearly 55% of the area of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) West Zone falls under flood-prone regions.
The pollution is making India's monsoons more unpredictable. This is a major alert for Indians, as the monsoons are "the lifeblood of the nation's agrarian economy." The monsoons provide about 70% of the required rainfall, which is essential for irrigating farms and replenishing reservoirs and aquifers. However, the new study says that "increased emissions from the burning of fossil fuels and rising pollution levels are altering monsoon patterns, resulting in adverse impacts on agriculture and posing challenges for accurate forecasting."
In the first eight days of July, abundant rainfall across various regions in India has not only bridged the rainfall deficit for the entire country but also exceeded the normal monsoon expectations, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cumulative rainfall during the monsoon season has reached 243.2 mm, which is 2% above the normal of 239.1 mm. However, there are significant regional variations in rainfall patterns.
Recent heavy rainfall in northern parts of India, particularly Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Haryana, has been attributed to the interaction between a western disturbance and the monsoon trough. This weather phenomenon has caused torrential downpours, leading to landslides, flash floods, and extensive damage to infrastructure. After experiencing a 10% rainfall deficiency until the end of June, the surge in monsoon activity over the west coast and parts of northern India has resulted in a 2% excess rainfall for the entire country as of July 9, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Torrential monsoon rains have wreaked havoc across northern India, resulting in the loss of at least 22 lives and causing landslides and flash floods. The national capital, Delhi, witnessed its wettest July day in decades, leading to the closure of schools. The Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand urged residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary. Flash floods in Himachal Pradesh destroyed a bridge and several hutments, while authorities used helicopters to rescue stranded individuals. Punjab, Delhi, and Uttarakhand faced extensive flooding, with rescue operations employing rubber rafts to reach people trapped in their homes. The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh urged residents to stay indoors as more heavy rainfall was anticipated.
Amid ongoing monsoon rains, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for seven districts in Himachal Pradesh, signaling a "very high risk" of heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides. Additionally, an orange alert has been issued for three districts in the state. The IMD has also issued orange and red alerts for Uttarakhand, highlighting the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh have been placed under a yellow alert by the weather department.
Delhi experienced its heaviest rainfall for a July day in 21 years, causing chaos on the streets. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert, and the Delhi Traffic Police reported waterlogging at 56 locations and fallen trees blocking several stretches. The heavy rain was a result of monsoon winds interacting with a western disturbance. The city's lack of preparedness for the monsoon season is concerning, especially as it aims to become a world-class city. More rain is expected in the coming days.
Despite heavy rainfall in northern and northwestern India on July 8-9, 2023, the monsoon distribution across the country remains highly irregular. Large portions of southeastern and southern India continue to face a rainfall deficit while other regions grapple with excessive precipitation.
On July 10, 2023, the Yamuna River in Delhi surpassed the warning mark as its water level reached 204.63 meters, according to officials from the Delhi Jal Board. The heavy rainfall in the upper catchment area of the Ganga's longest and second-largest tributary was the primary cause of the rising water levels in the national capital.
The recent heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh have caused serious damage, and the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jai Ram Thakur, has blamed the rains on climate change and faulty infrastructure.
Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is the only smart city in Maharashtra to receive a four-star rating for effective climate action. PCMC received the rating from the Climate Action Tracker (CAT), an independent scientific analysis that tracks countries' progress on climate action. The CAT rating is based on a city's performance in five areas: greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, energy efficiency, adaptation, and finance.
India is currently experiencing significant weather extremes, with the IMD predicting extremely heavy rainfall in several states while heatwaves persist in regions like Uttar Pradesh and East India. This duality of weather conditions requires diverse preparedness strategies to mitigate health and safety risks.
A World Weather Attribution study found that climate change increased the intensity of the heavy rainfall causing the Wayanad landslides in Kerala by 10.8%, with future warming likely to further intensify such events. The study underscores the need for improved early warning systems, better preparedness, and measures to mitigate deforestation and land use changes to reduce landslide risks.
Climate change is causing significant changes to India's monsoon, which is crucial for agriculture and water supply. The Indian monsoon brings seasonal rains that are vital for farmers and the economy. However, due to climate change, these monsoon patterns are becoming more unpredictable and extreme.
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