Monsoon Season Begins in Asia, Impacting Agriculture and Weather Patterns
The monsoon season has officially commenced in parts of Asia, including India and Thailand, bringing significant rainfall crucial for agriculture. The south-west monsoon is driven by a temperature difference between the Asian landmass and the Indian Ocean, which creates a pressure difference that draws moisture-laden ocean air inland. This results in intense rainfall as the humid air rises and condenses into clouds. In India, the monsoon onset was declared in the Kerala region, slightly delayed from its average start date. The region has already experienced substantial rainfall, with forecasts predicting more in the coming days. In Thailand, the monsoon season began on May 15, with heavy rainfall recorded in the south-west. The Thai meteorological department has issued warnings for strong monsoon winds over the Andaman Sea, advising small vessels to remain ashore.