Scientists unveil secrets of Himalayan air movements that can improve monsoon prediction

A team of Indian scientists has uncovered the dynamics of how vertical air movements over the Himalayas have shaped the Indian summer monsoon that has been the lifeline of South Asia for centuries, which could enhance the accuracy of rainfall forecasts and also help in better assessment of air quality over the sub-continent.

Scientists are constantly looking towards ways to improve the prediction of the Indian monsoon for agriculture, water management and disaster preparedness across South Asia, where millions of people rely on rainfall for their livelihoods.

However, limited studies on the vertical air movement in this region so far have relied on indirect balloon or satellite-based measurements, which cannot capture the long-term fine-scale variability of vertical air motion in the com