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​

Solution:
The southwest monsoon winds reach the southern tip of India by the first week of June. ​
It bifurcates into two branches- the bay of Bengal branch and the Arabian sea branch.​

Bay of Bengal 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. ​
  

Arabian sea branch :

• 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 receives less rainfall.​