Monsoon System — Current Affairs 2026

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Recent developments and news linked to Monsoon System.

IMD Predicts 'Normal' Southwest Monsoon for 2025 Amidst Lingering La Niña Influence

April 15, 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues its long-range forecast for the Southwest Monsoon annually, typically in April. A prediction of 'normal' monsoon rainfall for 2025, especially if influenced by a developing or lingering La Niña, highlights the critical role of global oceanic phenomena like ENSO in monsoon variability. This forecast is crucial for agricultural planning, water resource management, and economic policy decisions across India. Aspirants should track the IMD's official forecasts and the scientific reasoning behind them, particularly the interplay of El Niño/La Niña and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD).

UPSC Angle: Prelims: Factors influencing monsoon prediction (ENSO, IOD), IMD's role. Mains: Significance of accurate monsoon forecasts for agriculture [VY:GEO-03-03-02], water security [VY:GEO-04-02-01], and national economy. Impact of climate change on predictability.

Background (2024)

Earlier events that provide context for this topic.

Monsoon 2024 Sees Increased Frequency of Extreme Rainfall Events, Raising Flood Concerns

August 20, 2024

The 2024 monsoon season witnessed several instances of localized, intense rainfall leading to flash floods in various regions, even as overall seasonal rainfall might have been near normal. This trend aligns with scientific projections regarding climate change [VY-ENV-01-02-03], which suggest an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Such events underscore the challenge of managing water resources and disaster preparedness, as the traditional understanding of 'normal' monsoon rainfall no longer fully captures the ground reality of its distribution and intensity. This highlights the need for adaptive strategies in urban planning and rural infrastructure.

UPSC Angle: Prelims: Climate change indicators, types of rainfall events. Mains: Impact of climate change on monsoon patterns, challenges for disaster management, urban flooding, agricultural resilience, and water resource management [VY:GEO-04-02-01]. Policy responses to extreme weather.