First spell of North-East Monsoon 2020 rains in my Village

13 November, 2020

Despite the thumping September rains and to some extent October month, the coast did not observe substantial rainfall activity for long duration. This though has helped farming community, at the same time withered the water bodies quite early. The coast expects some amount of rainfall activity during North-East monsoon season to sustain the water bodies till fag end of summer i.e. May. But the situation till now was not conducive for precipitation from North-East monsoon clouds.

Today during my casual evening cycling activity, I was awe-inspired by seeing these massive cloud bands due east which triggered hope of rainfall activity. These clouds were great surprise since their presence was feeble post monsoon. It was extremely hot and humid in village from past couple of days. The cold weather which was prevailing from last week was cut short by monsoon clouds streaming from North-East. The humid weather usually is a precursor to rainfall activity but not guaranteed. On many occasions, we saw blustering troposphere without rainfall activity. Hence there was always doubt in thunderstorm activity. These passing thunderstorms were like barking dog without a bite :-D.

The cloud bands which I witnessed today were heavy and should precipitate if they make landfall in our region. By twilight, the clouds flamed and lightning ensued. Mild rumbles were heard too! The show started around 7PM when the Deepawali celebration began at our house. The rains poured for nearly 20 minutes fleetingly obstructing our festival celebration. It was the first North-East monsoon rain of the season after a long wait. The temperatures though dipped did not reduce humidity. Hitherto, the ground was extremely baked that there was no trace of rainfall as we woke up to new morning.

The pictures presented in the blog were shot before the thunderstorm activity began. Look at the massive clouds approaching our village! They are beauty to watch.

Wow! What a surprise! We have first credible North East Monsoon clouds parked due east!

Some intense cloud activity :-)

Hope it rains, the bands are slowly approaching us.

 What! Are these clouds fizzling out? Disappointing

Nah! They are right on track. Look at the flaming clouds with prolific moisture ready to pound the region 

And here it goes at 7PM. The heavy showers finally dissipate over us. A short glimpse of heavy showers that lasted for nearly twenty minutes and thus increasing our festival enthusiasm.