India's southwest monsoon is currently being influenced by seven interconnected weather systems, creating widespread rainfall across different parts of the country.

According to meteorologists, these systems are interacting with one another, causing moisture to move across the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and northern India. The combined effect is expected to shift the focus of heavy rainfall toward the Himalayan foothills and parts of eastern and northeastern India over the coming days.

The Seven Weather Systems Explained

1. Somali Jet

The Somali Jet, also known as the Findlater Jet, is a powerful low-level wind current flowing from the western Indian Ocean across the Arabian Sea.

It transports large amounts of moisture toward India and acts as one of the primary drivers of the southwest monsoon.

2. Deep Depression

A deep depression is a low-pressure weather system with stronger winds than a standard depression.

The current system, which originated over the Bay of Bengal and moved inland, has been bringing widespread rainfall across central and western India. The IMD has warned of extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Gujarat as the system continues its movement.

3. Monsoon Trough

The monsoon trough is an elongated zone of low pressure stretching across northern India.

As it shifts northward toward the Himalayan foothills, rainfall is expected to increase over northern and northeastern states while gradually easing in some central regions.

4. East-West Shear Zone

The east-west shear zone is an atmospheric region where wind direction and speed change significantly with height.

This feature helps organise cloud formation and can intensify rainfall over central India.

5. Offshore Trough

An offshore trough extends along India's west coast from Gujarat toward Kerala.

It supports persistent rainfall over coastal regions by drawing moisture from the Arabian Sea.

6. Western Disturbance

A Western Disturbance is a weather system that travels from the Mediterranean region into northwestern India.

When it interacts with monsoon moisture, it can trigger heavy rainfall over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and nearby hill states, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides.

7. Cyclonic Circulation Over Assam

A low-level cyclonic circulation over central Assam continues to concentrate moisture across the Northeast.

Combined with the northward movement of the monsoon trough, this system is expected to enhance rainfall over Assam and neighbouring states.

Which Areas Face the Highest Flood Risk?

Meteorologists indicate that the greatest flood threat currently exists in:

• Upper Assam and other parts of Northeast India
• North Bihar
• Eastern Uttar Pradesh
• Foothills of Nepal
• Himachal Pradesh
• Uttarakhand

These regions may experience flooding, overflowing rivers, flash floods and landslides if heavy rainfall persists over the coming days.

Impact on Agriculture and Water Resources

While intense rainfall increases the risk of floods and waterlogging, it also brings several benefits:

• Replenishes reservoirs.
• Recharges groundwater.
• Supports kharif crops such as paddy, pulses, cotton and oilseeds.
• Improves water availability for drinking and hydropower generation.

However, experts note that prolonged or extremely intense rainfall may damage crops, erode soil and delay agricultural operations.

Safety Advisory

People living in flood-prone or landslide-prone areas should:

• Follow IMD and local administration weather advisories.
• Avoid travelling through waterlogged roads and flooded areas.
• Stay away from overflowing rivers and streams.
• Keep emergency supplies ready.
• Shift to safer locations if evacuation instructions are issued.

Why This Matters

The interaction of multiple weather systems can significantly influence the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall across India. Their combined effect determines where heavy rain, flooding and landslides are most likely to occur. As the monsoon progresses, timely forecasts and preparedness remain essential for reducing risks to lives, agriculture and infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are seven weather systems significant?

Their simultaneous interaction can intensify monsoon activity and increase the likelihood of heavy rainfall and flooding across multiple regions.

What is the Somali Jet?

It is a strong low-level wind current over the Arabian Sea that transports moisture into India and plays a crucial role in sustaining the southwest monsoon.

Which areas are most at risk of flooding?

Upper Assam, north Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, the Himalayan foothills, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are among the regions facing heightened flood and landslide risks.

Why is Gujarat expected to receive heavy rain?

A deep depression moving across western India, along with other active monsoon features, is expected to bring heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over parts of the state.

Can these weather systems benefit agriculture?

Yes. Moderate and well-distributed rainfall helps replenish reservoirs, recharge groundwater and support kharif crops, although excessive rain can also damage crops and cause waterlogging.