Define monsoons. What do you understand by “break in monsoon”?

Monsoons are seasonal winds that reverse direction and bring heavy rain; a “break in monsoon” is a short dry spell during the rainy season when widespread rain pauses for several days.

The monsoon is a seasonal wind system. In South Asia, winds blow from sea to land in summer and from land to sea in winter. The summer monsoon carries moisture and causes widespread rainfall. The winter monsoon is mostly dry.

How monsoon works

• Pressure difference: Land heats faster than ocean in summer. Low pressure forms over land and pulls in moist air from the ocean.
• Moisture and uplift: Warm, moist air rises over hot land and mountains. It cools, condenses, and rains.
• Reversal: In winter, land cools faster, high pressure forms, and winds blow out to sea.

“Break in monsoon” explained

A break in monsoon is a pause in widespread rainfall for several days within the rainy season. Showers may continue near hills or the coast, but central and north plains often turn dry. Breaks happen due to changes in the monsoon trough, shifts in low-pressure systems, or strong subsidence that suppresses clouds.

Why breaks matter

• Agriculture: Breaks can stress crops if they come during sowing or flowering.
• Water planning: Reservoir filling slows during breaks.
• Disaster risk: Breaks may reduce flood risk temporarily but can be followed by intense spells.