<ul>
<li>Monsoon is a kind of seasonal change, causing wind to change direction and creating wet and dry seasons in the tropical parts of the world.</li>
<li>The monsoons always move towards warmer regions, determining the climate of southeast Asia and most of India.</li>
<li>Summer monsoon is a time of heavy rainfall in the months of June, July, August and September, when warm air blows from the southwest Indian Ocean towards India.</li>
</ul>

Monsoon: A Primer

The yearly rain provided by the summer monsoon is eagerly anticipated by India and Southeast Asia, due to agricultural crops, hydroelectric plants and even milk-giving cows relying on the downpour.The summer monsoons affect India’s economy if they are weak or late. If the monsoons are heavy, they cause infrastructural damage and destroy crops.

Monsoon And The Economy

The little-known cousin of monsoons is the Winter Monsoon, which occurs from October till March or April, coming from the northeast. The Himalayan Mountains act as a barrier to reduce the winds' impact, resulting in dry spells and droughts.

Winter Monsoons

Apart from the monsoons in Southeast Asia, there is the Asian-Australian monsoon which has a huge wind system that covers Northern Australia, parts of Russia, the Indian Ocean and then finally the Indian Coast of Africa.The North American Monsoon is also an annual seasonal wind, where warm and moist air from the Gulf of California blows northeast, and from the Gulf of Mexico turns northwest. The winds bring moisture to the region and help with forest fires.

Other Monsoons

Encyclopedic entry. A monsoon is a seasonal change in the direction of the prevailing, or strongest, winds of a region. Monsoons cause wet and dry seasons throughout much of the tropics.Grades6 - 12+Contents7 ImagesImage<h3>Monsoon Walk</h3>Villagers pass a submerged rice paddy during a monsoon in Nischintapur, Bangladesh. Every year, the rain-filled monsoon winds cause the nearby Bangali River to overflow its banks.Photograph by James P. Blair<img src="https://media.nationalgeographic.org/assets/photos/000/277/27771.jpg" alt="Villagers pass a submerged rice paddy during a monsoon in Nischintapur, Bangladesh. Every year, the rain-filled monsoon winds cause the nearby Bangali River to overflow its banks."><img src="https://media.nationalgeographic.org/assets/photos/000/277/27771_r100x75.jpg?d9afa8fdb233451b453cadde5bd44ef8b03985a6" width="100" height="75"><div>Image</div><img src="https://media.nationalgeographic.org/assets/photos/000/277/27773_r100x75.jpg?d9afa8fdb233451b453cadde5bd44ef8b03985a6" width="100" height="75"><div>Image</div><img src="https://media.nationalgeographic.org/assets/photos/000/277/27770_r100x75.jpg?d9afa8fdb233451b453cadde5bd44ef8b03985a6" width="100" height="75"><div>Image</div><img src="https://media.nationalgeographic.org/assets/photos/000/277/27767_r100x75.jpg?d9afa8fdb233451b453cadde5bd44ef8b03985a6" width="100" height="75"><div>Image</div><img src="https://media.nationalgeographic.org/assets/photos/000/277/27768_r100x75.jpg?d9afa8fdb233451b453cadde5bd44ef8b03985a6" width="100" height="75"><div>Image</div><img src="https://media.nationalgeographic.org/assets/photos/000/277/27772_r100x75.jpg?d9afa8fdb233451b453cadde5bd44ef8b03985a6" width="100" height="75"><div>Image</div><img src="https://media.nationalgeographic.org/assets/photos/000/277/27769_r100x75.jpg?d9afa8fdb233451b453cadde5bd44ef8b03985a6" width="100" height="75"><div>Image</div>This lists the logos of programs or partners of <abbr title="National Geographic" dir="ltr">NG</abbr> Education which have provided or contributed the content on this page.
 
 
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 </a><img src="https://media.nationalgeographic.org/assets/acknowledge/logos/MS_Logo-13p0_K.PNG" alt="Morgan Stanley" width="150" height="22"><div role="tablist" dir="ltr">
 
 <button aria-controls="tab1" role="tab" aria-selected="true" dir="ltr">Encyclopedic Entry</button>
 
 
 
 <button aria-controls="tab3" role="tab" aria-selected="false" dir="ltr">Vocabulary</button>
 
 </div>A <a dir="ltr">monsoon</a> is a seasonal change in the direction of the prevailing, or strongest, winds of a region. Monsoons cause wet and dry seasons throughout much of the <a dir="ltr">tropics</a>. Monsoons are most often associated with the Indian Ocean. Monsoons always blow from cold to warm regions. The <a dir="ltr">summer monsoon</a> and the <a dir="ltr">winter monsoon</a> determine the <a dir="ltr">climate</a> for most of India and Southeast Asia. Summer MonsoonThe summer monsoon is associated with heavy <a dir="ltr">rainfall</a>. It usually happens between April and September. As winter ends, warm, moist air from the southwest Indian Ocean blows toward countries like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. The summer monsoon brings a <a dir="ltr">humid</a> climate and <a dir="ltr">torrential</a> rainfall to these areas. India and Southeast Asia depend on the summer monsoon. <a dir="ltr">Agriculture</a>, for example, relies on the yearly rain. Many areas in these countries do not have large <a dir="ltr">irrigation</a> systems surrounding lakes, rivers, or snowmelt areas. <a dir="ltr">Aquifer</a>s, or supplies of underground water, are shallow. The summer monsoon fills <a dir="ltr">well</a>s and aquifers for the rest of the year. <a dir="ltr">Rice</a> and <a dir="ltr">tea</a> are some <a dir="ltr">crop</a>s that rely on the summer monsoon. <a dir="ltr">Dairy</a> farms, which help make India the largest milk producer in the world, also depend on the monsoon rains to keep cows healthy and well-fed. <a dir="ltr">Industry</a> in India and Southeast Asia also relies on the summer monsoon. A great deal of <a dir="ltr">electricity</a> in the region is produced by <a dir="ltr">hydroelectric power</a> plants, which are driven by water collected during the monsoons. Electricity powers hospitals, schools, and businesses that help the economies of these areas develop. When the summer monsoon is late or weak, the regions <a dir="ltr">economy</a> suffers. Fewer people can grow their own food, and large agribusinesses do not have produce to sell. Governments must <a dir="ltr">import</a> food. Electricity becomes more expensive, sometimes limiting development to large businesses and <a dir="ltr">wealthy</a> individuals. The summer monsoon has been called Indias true <a dir="ltr">finance minister</a>. Heavy summer monsoons can cause great damage. Residents of such <a dir="ltr">urban area</a>s as Mumbai, India, are used to the streets flooding with almost half a meter (1.5 feet) of water every summer. However, when the summer monsoon is stronger than expected, floods can <a dir="ltr">devastate</a> the region. In cities like Mumbai, entire <a dir="ltr">neighborhood</a>s can be <a dir="ltr">drown</a>ed. In rural areas, <a dir="ltr">mudslide</a>s can bury villages and destroy crops. In 2005, a strong monsoon devastated western India. As the summer monsoon blew in from the southwest, it first hit the state of Gujarat. More than 100 people died. Then, the monsoon rains hit the state of Maharashtra. Flooding in Maharashtra killed more than 1,000 people. On July 26, 2005, the city of Mumbai, Maharashtra, received almost a meter (39.1 inches) of rain. Winter MonsoonThe Indian Oceans winter monsoon, which lasts from October to April, is less well-known than its rainy summer equivalent. The dry winter monsoon blows from the northeast. These winds start in the air above Mongolia and northwestern China. Winter monsoons are less powerful than summer monsoons in Southeast Asia, in part because the Himalaya Mountains prevent much of the wind and <a dir="ltr">moisture</a> of the monsoons from reaching the coast. The Himalayas also prevent much of the cool air from reaching places like southern India and Sri Lanka, keeping them warm all year. Winter monsoons are sometimes associated with <a dir="ltr">drought</a>s. Not all winter monsoons are dry, however. Unlike the western part of Southeast Asia, the eastern, Pacific coast of Southeast Asia experiences its rainy season in the winter. The winter monsoon brings moist air from the South China Sea to areas like Indonesia and Malaysia. Other MonsoonsThe <a dir="ltr">Asian-Australian monsoon</a>, which includes the Indian Ocean, stretches from northern Australia to Russias Pacific coast. This huge monsoon wind system then stretches into the Indian Ocean. Finally, it reaches its end on the Indian coast of Africa. Monsoon winds exist in other parts of the world, too. The <a dir="ltr">North American monsoon</a> happens once a year, usually in the middle of summer. Warm, moist air from the Gulf of California blows northeast, while warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico blows northwest. These two winds meet over the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains in central Mexico. The monsoon brings moisture to the mountain <a dir="ltr">ecosystem</a> before continuing north to the U.S. states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. The North American monsoon can be a natural aid to <a dir="ltr">firefighter</a>s. Summer temperatures in Arizona regularly reach more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making <a dir="ltr">wildfire</a>s difficult to contain. The North American monsoon is also the <a dir="ltr">primary</a> water source for most <a dir="ltr">desert</a> ecosystems in the region. However, it can also confuse and interrupt daily life for people and businesses not used to dealing with heavy rain.<img src="https://media.nationalgeographic.org/assets/photos/000/277/27771_r160x120.jpg?d510eed90731efd86735201d7c98f92870025fdf" alt="monsoon" width="160" height="120"><div class="caption" dir="ltr">
 The rice paddies of Southeast Asia depend on the seasonal monsoon.
 </div>Photograph by James P. BlairMonsoon Cup The Monsoon Cup is an international yachting race held every year in the state of Terengganu, Malaysia. The race is held during monsoon season, making it a challenging race for sailors.Monsoon Zone The Monsoon Zone is a belt of low-pressure air currents that circle the Earth at the Equator. The Monsoon Zone is also known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The Monsoon Zone is usually warm and experiences mild winds. At sea, the Monsoon Zone is known as the Doldrums due to its lack of winds.Articles &amp; Profiles

Encyclopedic entry. A monsoon is a seasonal change in the direction of the prevailing, or strongest, winds of a region.  Monsoons cause wet and dry seasons throughout much of the tropics.

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Encyclopedic entry. A monsoon is a seasonal change in the direction of the prevailing, or strongest, winds of a region. Monsoons cause wet and dry seasons throughout much of the tropics.

Villagers pass a submerged rice paddy during a monsoon in Nischintapur, Bangladesh. Every year, the rain-filled monsoon winds cause the nearby Bangali River to overflow its banks.

This lists the logos of programs or partners of <abbr dir="ltr" title="National Geographic">NG </abbr>Education which have provided or contributed the content on this page.

Powered by <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/monsoon/"> </a>

A <a dir="ltr">monsoon </a>is a seasonal change in the direction of the prevailing, or strongest, winds of a region. Monsoons cause wet and dry seasons throughout much of the <a dir="ltr">tropics </a>. Monsoons are most often associated with the Indian Ocean. Monsoons always blow from cold to warm regions. The <a dir="ltr">summer monsoon </a>and the <a dir="ltr">winter monsoon </a>determine the <a dir="ltr">climate </a>for most of India and Southeast Asia. Summer Monsoon

The summer monsoon is associated with heavy <a dir="ltr">rainfall </a>. It usually happens between April and September. As winter ends, warm, moist air from the southwest Indian Ocean blows toward countries like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. The summer monsoon brings a <a dir="ltr">humid </a>climate and <a dir="ltr">torrential </a>rainfall to these areas. India and Southeast Asia depend on the summer monsoon. <a dir="ltr">Agriculture </a>, for example, relies on the yearly rain. Many areas in these countries do not have large <a dir="ltr">irrigation </a>systems surrounding lakes, rivers, or snowmelt areas. <a dir="ltr">Aquifer </a>s, or supplies of underground water, are shallow. The summer monsoon fills <a dir="ltr">well </a>s and aquifers for the rest of the year. <a dir="ltr">Rice </a>and <a dir="ltr">tea </a>are some <a dir="ltr">crop </a>s that rely on the summer monsoon. <a dir="ltr">Dairy </a>farms, which help make India the largest milk producer in the world, also depend on the monsoon rains to keep cows healthy and well-fed. <a dir="ltr">Industry </a>in India and Southeast Asia also relies on the summer monsoon. A great deal of <a dir="ltr">electricity </a>in the region is produced by <a dir="ltr">hydroelectric power </a>plants, which are driven by water collected during the monsoons. Electricity powers hospitals, schools, and businesses that help the economies of these areas develop. When the summer monsoon is late or weak, the regions <a dir="ltr">economy </a>suffers. Fewer people can grow their own food, and large agribusinesses do not have produce to sell. Governments must <a dir="ltr">import </a>food. Electricity becomes more expensive, sometimes limiting development to large businesses and <a dir="ltr">wealthy </a>individuals. The summer monsoon has been called Indias true <a dir="ltr">finance minister </a>. Heavy summer monsoons can cause great damage. Residents of such <a dir="ltr">urban area </a>s as Mumbai, India, are used to the streets flooding with almost half a meter (1.5 feet) of water every summer. However, when the summer monsoon is stronger than expected, floods can <a dir="ltr">devastate </a>the region. In cities like Mumbai, entire <a dir="ltr">neighborhood </a>s can be <a dir="ltr">drown </a>ed. In rural areas, <a dir="ltr">mudslide </a>s can bury villages and destroy crops. In 2005, a strong monsoon devastated western India. As the summer monsoon blew in from the southwest, it first hit the state of Gujarat. More than 100 people died. Then, the monsoon rains hit the state of Maharashtra. Flooding in Maharashtra killed more than 1,000 people. On July 26, 2005, the city of Mumbai, Maharashtra, received almost a meter (39.1 inches) of rain.

The Indian Oceans winter monsoon, which lasts from October to April, is less well-known than its rainy summer equivalent. The dry winter monsoon blows from the northeast. These winds start in the air above Mongolia and northwestern China. Winter monsoons are less powerful than summer monsoons in Southeast Asia, in part because the Himalaya Mountains prevent much of the wind and <a dir="ltr">moisture </a>of the monsoons from reaching the coast. The Himalayas also prevent much of the cool air from reaching places like southern India and Sri Lanka, keeping them warm all year. Winter monsoons are sometimes associated with <a dir="ltr">drought </a>s. Not all winter monsoons are dry, however. Unlike the western part of Southeast Asia, the eastern, Pacific coast of Southeast Asia experiences its rainy season in the winter. The winter monsoon brings moist air from the South China Sea to areas like Indonesia and Malaysia. Other Monsoons

The <a dir="ltr">Asian-Australian monsoon </a>, which includes the Indian Ocean, stretches from northern Australia to Russias Pacific coast. This huge monsoon wind system then stretches into the Indian Ocean. Finally, it reaches its end on the Indian coast of Africa. Monsoon winds exist in other parts of the world, too. The <a dir="ltr">North American monsoon </a>happens once a year, usually in the middle of summer. Warm, moist air from the Gulf of California blows northeast, while warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico blows northwest. These two winds meet over the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains in central Mexico. The monsoon brings moisture to the mountain <a dir="ltr">ecosystem </a>before continuing north to the U.S. states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. The North American monsoon can be a natural aid to <a dir="ltr">firefighter </a>s. Summer temperatures in Arizona regularly reach more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making <a dir="ltr">wildfire </a>s difficult to contain. The North American monsoon is also the <a dir="ltr">primary </a>water source for most <a dir="ltr">desert </a>ecosystems in the region. However, it can also confuse and interrupt daily life for people and businesses not used to dealing with heavy rain.

Photograph by James P. Blair

Monsoon Cup The Monsoon Cup is an international yachting race held every year in the state of Terengganu, Malaysia. The race is held during monsoon season, making it a challenging race for sailors.

Monsoon Zone The Monsoon Zone is a belt of low-pressure air currents that circle the Earth at the Equator. The Monsoon Zone is also known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The Monsoon Zone is usually warm and experiences mild winds. At sea, the Monsoon Zone is known as the Doldrums due to its lack of winds.

monsoon

Monsoon: A Primer

Monsoon And The Economy

Winter Monsoons

Other Monsoons

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