Question

When do southwest monsoon winds reach India? Explain the journey of southwest monsoon winds.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Explain the arrival and bifurcation of southwest monsoon winds.
• Explain the journey of the Bay of Bengal branch.
• Explain the journey of the Arabian sea branch.

Answer:
The southwest monsoon winds reach the southern tip of India by the first week of June.

It then bifurcates into two branches- the bay of Bengal branch and the Arabian sea branch.

• The Bay of Bengal branch moves along West Bengal and moves inwards to the mainland into the Ganga plains.
• The Bay of Bengal branch further splits and moves towards Brahmaputra valley.
• The Mawsynram region in the northeast part of India receives very high rainfall due to this branch of the southwest monsoon.
• On the other hand, the Arabian sea branch strikes the western coast of India and moves into the mainland towards the northern part of the country.
• Additionally, when the Arabian sea branch of the monsoon wind hits the western ghats, it causes heavy rainfall on the windward side of the mountain while the leeward side remains dry.