Brace Yourself for Intensified Rainy Season Ahead

India has experienced above-average rainfall during the summer months, with a total of 743.1 mm of rainfall between June 1 and August 31, six percent higher than the long-period average of 700.7 mm. As we move into September, historical data suggest a slight upward trend in precipitation since 1980, with the exception of certain years. However, it is important to note that this trend does not guarantee the same for this year.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted normal to above-normal rainfall for most regions of India in September, except for some areas dependent on the northeast monsoon and pockets of northwestern and northeastern India. For September, the IMD predicts nine percent more rainfall than the long-period average of 167.9 mm.

However, it is crucial to remember that India alone cannot reverse the trend of extreme weather events due to climate change. The solution to the continued loss of life due to flash floods and cloudbursts lies in adaptation, rather than expecting to live life as ancestors did.

Experts propose several measures to make India more monsoon-resilient. These include improved water management systems, enhanced data collection for better weather prediction, agricultural adaptation techniques to optimize crop resilience to monsoon variability, and infrastructure development to mitigate flood impacts during the monsoon season.

In cities, particularly those in plateau regions, authorities should consider building in-situ underground rainwater harvesting tanks to mitigate urban flooding. To reduce flash floods in Himalayan states, the government should regulate human activity on hilltops and prevent blockages to the natural flow of water.

The government is urged to appoint a team of experts to suggest measures for making India monsoon-ready. The continued increase in September precipitation is consistent with the series of extreme weather events the world has been witnessing due to climate change.

It is time for a reset in human behavior to better adapt to extreme weather events. Nature is more powerful than humans, who have historically survived by humbly adapting to it. As we face the challenges of a changing climate, it is essential that we continue to adapt and prepare for the future.