MONSOONS

Monsoons are strong winds affecting the weather of several Asian countries. From April to October, the summer monsoon moves from the southwest to the northeast, starting in India and continuing through several Southeast Asian countries. In the winter, the monsoon goes in the other direction. Monsoons are caused by differences in land and sea air temperatures. In the summer, India gets very hot. The air over the land is warmer than the air over the Indian Ocean. This draws air from the ocean towards the land. In the winter, the situation is the opposite, and the ocean draws air from the land. The summer monsoon brings heavy rains to the area. These rains are very important to farmers. In contrast, the winter monsoon brings dry, sunny weather to the area.