Friday, August 27, 2010

surges and retreats...

this is the time of year when we are all tempted to think that the monsoon rains are behind us. it's easy to do... i've been through it many times. but keep this in mind:

-the average END DATE of the monsoon in mcleod ganj is 15 september.

-this year, the official onset of the monsoon was one week LATE. that means that the official end could also be later than normal...

-the nature of monsoon conditions is to "surge and retreat" during the first few weeks and the last few weeks of the season.

-our total rainfall since the beginning of july (both in upper mcleod ganj, and near the main temple) is right around 67" (170cm). on average, we get 80-100" (200-250cm) of rainfall during a typical monsoon season. that means that, most likely, we have 20+ inches (50cm) to go, between now and mid-september.

-thus far, our season has been slightly ABOVE AVERAGE. so, we might expect another 30-40" (75-85cm) before all is said and done.

just a bit of perspective. scroll down for your latest forecast...