Weather and micro-climate blogs (Copyright WeatherCast)

Over the past couple of weeks, stormy weather has gripped India, especially north India and to some extent south and north-east India (although not covered in the news as much as the thunder-and dust-storms in north India). The central and western regions have been undergoing somewhat of a lull period with no significant activity. Press coverage on recent storms can be accessed at - 1.  https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/05/08/dust-storms-create-havoc-across-india/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.47578e1a2a9e 2.  https://scroll.in/article/878105/as-north-india-braces-for-thunderstorms-vague-weather-alerts-are-of-little-help 3.  https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/india-dust-storms-thunder-death-toll-weather-delhi-agra-rajasthan-uttar-pradesh-latest-a8335891.html Although thunderstorms are a common feature during the summer time, the freak event that occurred on May 2nd is very uncommon and could be attributed to the changing climate. All the

The onset of Indian summer monsoon (or southwest monsoon) is the most anticipated event for the Indian population. The first monsoon shower is the most awaited one as many seek respite from the scorching heat, little ones gleefully wanting to play in the cool showers, and the agricultural community get in full swing to prepare the land for farming. Over the past few years, owing to climate change, the onset has been delayed ( https://www.firstpost.com/economy/imd-forecasts-delay-in-onset-of-monsoon-may-hit-kerala-coast-around-5-june-1971211.html ) and the monsoon itself has been erratic, with brief periods of heavy rain (active phase) and periods of no rain (break phase). This is in contrast to a decade or two back, when the onset on monsoon would be well-timed and the nature of monsoon was also steady (with consistent rains through out the season). However, urbanisation, greenhouse pollution, deforestation, and many other anthropogenic activities have led to the late onset and incon