The word monsoon has been derived from an Arabic word ‘mausim’ which means season. It denotes a season in which the winds are completely reversed. In short, reversal of winds is called monsoon.

Characteristics of the monsoon climate of India are

  • Monsoons are not certain. Their onset is sometimes very early and sometimes very late.
Threatening monsoon clouds gather over train tracks in India - Photos

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  • Secondly, there is great variation in the amount of rainfall from year to year.
  • Monsoons do not reach in equal amount all around the country. They vary from region to region.
  • Continuous heavy spell of rainfall is sometimes followed by dry spell.