A large low-pressure system that forms during the monsoon season, bringing sustained heavy rain over wide areas for several days.
phenomenaWhat is Monsoon Depression?
Monsoon depressions are synoptic-scale (500-1000 km wide) low pressure systems that form over warm tropical oceans during the monsoon season. They are not as intense as typhoons but can dump enormous amounts of rainfall over large areas for 3-5 days. Many of the worst flood disasters in South and Southeast Asia are caused by monsoon depressions rather than tropical cyclones. They form regularly in the Bay of Bengal and the South China Sea.
Key points
- A large low-pressure system that forms during the monsoon season, bringing sustained heavy rain over wide areas for several days.
- Category: phenomena
Related terms
See also: monsoon-depression is connected to other weather concepts. Browse the full glossary for related definitions.