Monsoons in the Abode Extreme and variable Mount Abu.

Weather report Monsoons in Mount Abu 13 Sept 2018

Ms Trina. on Lower Kodra dam

Snaps in this post per Kind favour Ms Trina.

The Monsoons have been extreme and variable over the Abode of the gods since the year 2010. The dry spell that haunted Mount Abu prior to 2010 was over. All our water bodies, the lake, reservoirs and other small water bodies since have all overflowed. 

Last year, torrents of sudden record-breaking rainfall devastated Abu. Mt. Abu: Received 141mm on 23rd July 773 on 24th July and 734mm on 25th July 1698mm in 3 days “On 23 July 2017” Mount Abu Recorded the highest-ever recorded rainfall in its history in the last 100 years. 

The changing climate scenario, over the last decade, goes to show that there is an increase of weird and extreme monsoon seasons that pose catastrophic events of flooding or drought in an area not affected before. 

In contrast to the last 8 years of recording plentiful rain, this season so far has been below average. The Nakki lake has still 31/2 feet to overflow. Our Lower Kodra dam our main water supplying dam needs another 20 feet of water to overflow.

Lower Kodra Dam

Lower Kodra Dam

Gauge Lower Kodra dam

20 Feet to GO.

It's doubtful if the rain gods change their favour and smile upon their Abode and shower some more rain to tide us over for the year of 2019. We Abuites will just have to resign to the fact that our water supply will continue every alternate day or if the need is every third day. The days are still cloudy but, the weather report has confirmed the retreat of the monsoons in our area.

Link: Lower Khodra Dam Overflowing Mt.Abu Sept 13, 2010.

Mount Abu Monsoon Madness: A Changing Climate Tale

Mount Abu has it all, from breathtaking beauty to catastrophic events.

The first landslide for this season 28 July 2023

Streams surged fiercely last night in Abu, highlighting the region's spectacular beauty during the heavy rain. However, this lovely scene also underscores the troubling fact of changing climate scenarios, which have resulted in unusual and harsh monsoon seasons. This blog post discusses how recent weather in Abu affected the local population and had larger consequences. The captivating views of The Rainy Night Spectacle fascinated Abuites, who recorded and shared them on several social media sites. The gushing streams and heavy rains reminded everyone of the need to appreciate nature's beauty while recognising the environment's vulnerability to climate change. (The volume of rain from midnight to 6 am was 142mm, i.e. almost 6 inches)

The Impact of Climate Change:

The climate in Abu has changed dramatically during the last decade. Extreme monsoon seasons are becoming more common, causing catastrophic occurrences, such as flooding and droughts in formerly untouched areas. The latest cyclonic storm, followed by continued high rains throughout July, wrought havoc in Rajasthan, causing major floods and property and animal losses.

The recent monsoons in Abu serve as a vivid reminder of the critical issue of climate change. While we appreciate the beauty of rainy evenings, we must equally acknowledge the difficulties they bring. We can safeguard our environment, homes, and livelihoods by recognising and addressing these changes, guaranteeing a sustainable future for future generations. It's time to take action, raise awareness, and work together to counteract the negative consequences of climate change in Abu and beyond.

Scary Encounter: it highlighted the implications of climate change today, as Abu had its first landslip on the main road, only a few kilometres before the Hunaman temple. The episode underscores the increasing dangers of natural disasters in areas prone to excessive rainfall and soil erosion.

Large Mudslide Mt Abu WhatsApp Video per kind favour my niece Crescentia 

The heavy rain has impacted daily life across Abu, leading to even St. Mary's High School declaring a holiday. With the rushing floods, the Paddy Bridge, the sole vehicular access point to the school, was overflowing and unusable. Such interruptions to daily life highlight infrastructure's fragility and the need for improved planning in the face of shifting weather patterns.

Paddy's Bridge overflowing WhatsApp Video per kind favour Manoj St. Mary's staff.

The recent monsoons in Abu serve as a vivid reminder of the critical issue of climate change. While we appreciate the beauty of rainy evenings, we must equally acknowledge the difficulties they bring. We can safeguard our environment, homes, and livelihoods by recognising and addressing these changes. 

The streams in full spate WhatsApp Video per kind favour my niece Crescentia.

For more news on Mount Abu, click the link below.

Mount Abu 28 July 2023.

Awaiting the Rain Gods of showering its Blessings on the abode of gods Mt Abu.

Abuites are apprehensive, as, like most places in Rajasthan, water scarcity is a bitter reality.

Anticipation hangs in the air as Mount Abu eagerly awaits the goodwill of the Rain Gods to shower blessings upon this sacred abode. The threat of water shortage, however, lingers over the region, a grim reality that many areas in Rajasthan experience.

Despite the parched circumstances, Mount Abu has received some relief as a couple thunderstorms accompanied by 10 inches of rain. This rain has cooled the area, nourishing the slopes with vigorous growth of plants and grass, changing Abu into a green paradise. There has been a distinct shift in the weather pattern, as seen by the blossoming of trees such as the Jacaranda and the Golden Showers tree, which normally flower in spring but are now adorning the landscape.

Cassia fistula - Golden Shower tree 

Jacaranda tree 

Wild dates of Mount Abu

However, the monsoon's progress experiences delays, resulting in the meteorological service classifying it as a monsoon break. According to a recent snapshot of INSAT-3D IMG, experts expect the shortcoming to worsen. The monsoon season in Abu looks to be starting in the second week of August this year, a delay that is being keenly studied for meteorological updates.

Amid this climatic unpredictability, there appears to be no overt appeasement of the Rain God by Abuites.  The neighbourhood’s plea for safe havens and rain continues to go unanswered, as the community waits patiently for the much-needed monsoon showers to return. Stay back for more weather reports from Abu as we make our way through this fascinating climatic tour.

Monsoon break condition 

To read more on the monsoons in Abu, click the link below: 

⇓

 “Monsoons in Mount Abu" 

Monsoons in Mount Abu [ 3/08/2022 ]

Monsoons in the Abode of Gods 

Orange sky at night tourist  delight

In the land of the Rajputs, water is one of the biggest problems. Mount Abu, which is known as the oasis of Rajasthan and the abode of gods, also depends on the monsoon season. During June, we received a few welcome showers. These showers were a blessing to the parched forest that had seen forest fires. Suddenly, the arid forest appeared as if it were a garden of Aden after these showers. The forest fires would now be put on hold until next summer. I, for one, breathed a sigh of relief.

Our monsoon started on July 1st of 2022, so it blessed Abu with rain every day throughout July. This heralded the start of our monsoon 10 to 15 days in advance. The fog fell like it was from the sixties, lowering clouds kissing the canopy of the now green forest, gurgling streams, waterfalls, misty showers, and sometimes even pelting rain. The mountain heaves a sigh of relief this year. 

According to the information below, Abu has been given its annual quota of water. The bodies of water in Abu are full, reassuring us that there is enough water to last until the monsoon season.

Gauge Report Mount Abu

Dated 2-8-2022 Tuesday

☔️Rainfall= 22 mm

🌧Total Rainfall = 42 inches

Lower Kodra Dam=  58'/59'

(1153.53/1188ML)

Lower khodra Dam an inch to overflow 3 Aug 2022
per kind favour Crescentia teacher St Mary's school 

Upper kodra Dam=28'/33'

(302.4/414ML)

NAKKI LAKE=12.25/12.25Mtr

(1215/1215ML)

They have predicted that August will receive a higher-than-average amount of rainfall this year. Monsoon is one month when Gujaratis flock to their favourite watering holes in droves. With occasional downpours to heavy showers, the monsoon is enticing. Mountainous greenery, overflowing streams, and gushing waterfalls are all major attractions of the year. It is the season of joy in our abode during the monsoon, as tourists from all over India flock here.

I advise those travelling this way to make their reservations well in advance, as Abu will be flooded by 15 August 2022 with tourists scrambling for hotels and rooms.

Abuites are praying for a respite from this gloomy spell of non-sunny days so that they can once again enjoy the sunshine.

Monsoons in the Abode of the Gods Mount Abu 2015

Monsoon Season at the Abode: The Wet Hug of Mount Abu

In Mount Abu, everyone looks forward to the spectacle of the Southwest monsoons arriving. Rain usually arrives by June 12th, much to the relief of the parched land and the hope of the farmers. The traditional celebration of St. Anthony’s Day, June 13, in Goa, coincides closely with the monsoon season. The locals have a peculiar custom if the rains don’t come by then. They parade St. Anthony’s statue around the streets, and some of them make a lighthearted but sincere appeal to the saint by submerging it in wells or soaking it in cold water.

We saw the first indications of the monsoon’s embrace yesterday. The clouds opened up, promising, and Mount Abu was greeted with a brief shower and a hint of thunder. I’m glad I took a picture of these moments with my phone and am posting it on my blog.

The All India Radio Tower Mount Abu

The All India Radio tower opposite my house.  

The meteorologist says this year’s monsoon will be moderate. In Mount Abu, we have a special method for anticipating rain: we gaze to Mumbai. When Mumbai receives its first substantial monsoon rain, we know our turn is approximately 10 days away. Thus, we wait for the rains in Mumbai with crossed fingers and high hopes.

But there is a wild side to life in Mount Abu as well. A Rottweiler was attacked by a leopard only last night in Dhoondai, close to the Jal Hotel. This time, the dog was saved by the prompt action of the residents and security personnel, who scared the leopard away. However, the event serves as a sharp reminder of the ongoing conflict that exists in this area between people and wildlife. We hope that in further interactions, the dog stays safe.

 As the monsoon alters Mount Abu, stay tuned for more updates and pictures.

Monsoons in the Abode Mt. Abu

The monsoons have finally declared their initial charisma in the Abode. Dawn was covered with a dense shroud of mist, and then the rain came pouring down.

 I took a drive to Delwara and returned via town to appraise the situation, it was BAD, the roads in most places we're waterlogged, thank to contractors who used the side of the roads to dump tractor loads of debris. The stench all around was sickening, the temporary covered pot holes now exposed reminded me of the craters I had viewed on the moon through a friends telescope.

Its time the people of this Grand semi-hill station aired their voices and grievances to see that this place is restored to its former glory of being "GREEN N CLEAN"

How long it will take? Well most would, shrug and say, It's only a pipe dream. Man wake up, you know how the wheels churn, real slow through the mud and grime.

The lights blinked off early in the morning and only returned in the evening, the area around Delwara is still without lights and it’s a bet they will only be restored sometime tomorrow, hope this end hold or we’ll be back to lighting candles and having our dinner by candle light. “Imagine candle light dinner”. Three Cheers for the Advent of the monsoons in the Abode.

Spring in the Abode Mount Abu.

Pine trees in Mount Abu

Pine trees in Mount Abu

Hillside with mixed bag of trees

Flame of the Forest 

Indian Coral Tree

Blue Jacaranda

"An Unpredictable Spring Unfolds in the God's Dwelling"

Ah, springtime in the Land of the Gods! I had planned to hibernate this winter in order to wake up rejuvenated as a bat out of hell, but Mother Nature and global warming had other ideas for us. This year's winter in Abu was brief, with temperatures failing to reach the typical, bone-chilling -7 degrees Celsius. Local bears, which should have been hibernating, wandered the region, compelled to seek food in the city due to a lack of forage in the jungle.

Embracing Nature's Wonders:

I was off the radar for a spell, but I'm now back in action, documenting the beauty that nature has to offer. Birds that nest during the monsoons appear to have gone a little insane, already caring for their fledglings. The far-reaching effects of global warming might cause these phenomena. I can't help but hope that Mother Nature will favour the Abode of the Gods this year. Because if the monsoons fail, we're in for a bumpy trip. Even today, our water supply functions on an alternate-day basis, portraying a bleak picture for the future months.

Looking Towards the Future:

Looking inside my crystal ball, the forecast for the forthcoming summer is grim. The approaching summer will be hot, with frequent dust storms and forest fires. It's almost as though the desert is encroaching on this section of Rajasthan.

Conclusion:

Spring in the Land of the Gods offers unanticipated problems owing to altering natural rhythms and global warming. It serves as a reminder that, even in the face of such uncertainty, we must value and safeguard our environment. As we prepare for what lies ahead, we will continue to find peace and beauty in nature's intriguing and ever-changing dance.

CROAK- CROAK Abu's Monsoons

Took this beauty with my Nokia last evening

The weather has been playing truant throughout the year, we had a prolonged cold and bitter winter, our summer season has been swamped with constant winds making it a heaven for us residents as there haven't been any remarkable hot days except for one or two days that I can recall. We have had quite a few days of unpredicted rainfall over the past few weeks. We do get the occasional May showers every year but this year it’s far from normal.
Last Saturday when I woke up and had a look at my mug while brushing my teeth I saw a few strands of my flaxen hair( my sentinels) all kinked up I knew the monsoons were around the corner. I yelled to my bitter half to get her house in order as the monsoons this year were going to be early, she answered back sarcastically, “Yea you Heathen have you gone and hung the statue of St.Anthony upside down”, early rains my foot. Some foot, the first official monsoon shower last evening pounded the hillside with a vengeance. The rain came down in torrents it was intense and within minutes the bare streams were full of gushing water. If only I had my camera with me I would have documented the filth and plastic debris that flowed past my house. There was also an awful stench for quite some time, the shower did not last very long but it was a blessing at least the place got cleaned up. I only hope this early shower isn’t a harbinger of dread that our monsoon is going to be short lived. The element of uncertainty in our monsoon season over the years has always left us in a quandary. We in Abu depend exclusively on the monsoons for our drinking water. We have precisely two water reservoirs, Upper Kodhra Dam and the lower Kodhra Dam, in dire emergency the water from the lake is utilized, if we have a poor monsoon we in Abu have water rationing, i.e. depending on the severity of water in our reservoirs we get water every alternate day . OH Global Warming see to it that the Rain Gods be kind to this Abode of the Gods and shower her with rain. I think we can add one more God to our list, the modern God “Global Warming”

The Year that was 2010 Mt.Abu

The Year That Was

This year in Mount Abu has been a battleground of sorts, filled with endless disputes over construction, repairs, and alterations. It’s been a tense dance between the local community and the authorities, each side pushing its limits in this fragile eco-zone. I’ve watched this saga unfold throughout the year — a torturous cat-and-mouse game.

The authorities, standing firm to protect this unique environment, have used every tactic in the book to ensure no unauthorized construction could take place. But rather than quelling the desire, it only ignited a stubborn resolve among the residents. "If they couldn’t build openly, they would find a way." And find a way they did. Materials that were banned from entering the hills still made their way up, often at great personal risk. 

Meanwhile, the watchful eyes of the authorities worked round the clock, swiftly demolishing any structures that sprouted without approval. Frustration grew among those seeking permission for genuine repairs, as the long, bureaucratic delays led many to simply act out of sheer necessity. For the Abuites, this year has been a rollercoaster of triumph and setbacks.

But amid the chaos, there was a silver lining: 2010 marked a renewed focus on going green. Environmental awareness has become the buzzword. And while progress has been made, we have only just begun. Restoring Mount Abu to its former glory will require both individual effort and collective responsibility. The path ahead is steep, but the resolve is there.

What’s ironic is the government’s indifference to Abu’s crumbling infrastructure. The roads, for instance, are in a deplorable state — a true shame considering there’s no shortage of funds. A single month’s toll tax during peak tourist season could solve many of these issues, but action remains elusive. And so, the roads continue to deteriorate, leaving both locals and visitors frustrated.

On a brighter note, the rain gods have been kind this year. On a brighter note, the rain gods have shown kindness this year, replenishing the reservoirs and alleviating the dire state of the underground water reserves. We even experienced an unusual mini-monsoon at the end of November, a rare week of steady rainfall. Yet, the summer was brutal — one of the worst we’ve seen in years. Now, with winter creeping in earlier than expected, I wonder what this season holds for us. Frost has arrived ahead of schedule, so I suspect we’re in for a long, cold spell. If only it would snow here… but that’s wishful thinking, isn’t it?

As I look back, I realize how quickly this year has flown by. Leafing through my collection of photographs, I’m reminded of the good, the bad, and the ugly — but above all, the lively and beautiful moments that define life here. It’s these moments that make Mount Abu what it is: a place of constant change, endless challenges, and undeniable beauty.

January and FEBRUARY:-

February: A Month of Trials

February felt like a month with the sword of Damocles hanging over me. My overall condition took a sharp turn for the worse, and if it weren’t for the timely intervention of my family doctor, I’m certain things could have ended differently. But the trials didn’t stop there — on February 12th, I lost my beloved Basset, Bosky. It felt like life had thrown all its challenges at me at once. Between Liz’s impending amputation, Bosky’s passing, and my brush with mortality, it was as though my resilience was being put to the ultimate test — or perhaps my agnostic beliefs were being questioned in the harshest way possible.

Yet, despite it all, providence had unique plans for me. I’m still here today, healthy and grateful, reflecting on this year of trials as I complete this blog. 

MARCH:-

 March: The Heat of What Was to Come

March brought an intense heat, foreshadowing what would become one of the hottest summers we’ve endured. The air was dry, and the forests were vulnerable. By the end of the month, we were already dealing with the first of many forest fires that would plague the hills. The land seemed to cry out for relief, but none came.

First time in the history of St.Mary's School the sports were held on the 1st of April

APRIL:-

This year, because of the scarcity and dearth of water, St. Mary’s High School had to reschedule all its programmes. St. Mary’s High School rescheduled the Annual sports to April instead of their usual October date, breaking tradition. Because of the precarious water shortage, all schools had to reschedule their holidays. The authorities declared a month’s holiday from the 15th of June to the 15th of May. The newspapers’ portrayal of the situation led to a sharp decrease in tourist traffic.

I turned into an older adult in India, which is the world’s largest democratic country, on April 25th.

Cliffy and Marie Dragwich Silver Jubilee Anniversary

Colonial Houses of Abu

MAY:-

May Day in St. Mary’s School   May Day celebrations

May: A Scorching Trial

May was relentless — hot beyond measure. The cooling breeze that offered some respite from the previous year was nowhere to be found. As the heat intensified, water became a scarce commodity. Every water hole and tube well ran dry, leaving the hill station parched. Tankers of water were sold at exorbitant prices to businesses and hotels to keep things running.

The economic downturn only added to the pressure. With the recession looming overhead, the situation in this semi-arid hill station felt dire. It was hard not to imagine Abuites being driven away from this Abode of the Gods in search of greener pastures if the rains didn’t arrive soon.

Thankfully, the monsoon, when it came, was generous, saving us from what could have been a complete collapse.

JUNE:-

The summers had now really descended on this Abode; we saw record-high temperatures. The wild animals such as the sloth bear and the leopard left the jungle to brave the premises of the humans looking for water and food. 

The month of June saw some massive sandstorms

June: A Month of Scorched Hopes

In June, people hear the first whispers of the monsoon, igniting a sense of hope. But this year, even the fervent “havans” and prayers to the rain gods couldn’t shift the tides of fate. While it’s said that prayers can move mountains and summon rain, here, the sun remained unforgiving, scorching the mountainside with relentless heat.

Before: because of the lack of water, the young trees planted the previous year, meant to revive the landscape, withered away. The once-vibrant greenery that adorned the hills vanished, leaving behind a dry, desolate scene. The trees, once symbols of resilience, stood lifeless and brittle.

Abu has endured many tough years, but none felt as dreadful as this one. June, with all its promises, became a month of disappointment and despair.

JULY:-

July: A Sigh of Relief

The long-awaited monsoons arrived in July, though they made us wait until the 24th. The residents of this mountain retreat were on edge, their uneasiness noticeable. Day after day, we watched the skies, hoping for the dark clouds to roll in and deliver the rains that would revive the land and our spirits.

When the rains fell, it was as if the entire hill station heaved an enormous collective sigh of relief. The tension that had built up over the months melted away as the parched earth drank in the life-giving water. It was a moment filled with deep gratitude and hope, assuring us that better times were coming.

AUGUST:-

The Return of Life and a Short-Lived Victory.

The rain gods had mercy on Mount Abu, blessing this parched hill station with the much-needed downpour. The better-than-average monsoon quenched the dry earth, bringing life back to the hills. With the arrival of the rains, the town returned to normal and businesses thrived once more. The air was filled with a renewed sense of hope as the vibrant greenery reemerged.

For a short time, another victory was celebrated — the news that Rajasthan, and especially Mount Abu, had committed to going plastic-free for better environmental protection. This was the talk of the town. The threat of hefty fines and even imprisonment led to the swift disappearance of plastic bags from the shelves. Overnight, paper and cloth bags made their way into the hands of shoppers.

But this victory was short-lived. With no real follow-up plans or enforcement, the reliance on plastic bags soon crept back into everyday life. The initial enthusiasm faded, and the town once again found itself dependent on the very thing it sought to eliminate. It was a reminder that lasting change requires more than just a momentary push — it needs sustained effort, commitment, and the will to see it through.

SEPTEMBER:-

September: The Month of Festivals and Gathering of the Gods

September in Mount Abu is a vibrant month, filled with festivals and celebrations. Every year, the town puts on its annual marathon, a long-standing custom that brings together both locals and tourists. Mother Nature lays out lush green carpets and refreshing rain drenches the hills, welcoming visitors during the peak of the monsoon season. It’s the perfect time for tourists to experience the beauty of this “Abode of the Gods” in its most breathtaking form.

For me, September holds a special place in my heart. It’s the month Liz celebrates her birthday, and I cherish these moments spent with her. I also have a deep love for the monsoon months; they grant me the freedom to explore this hill station in the environment I adore — surrounded by rain-soaked forests, misty vistas, and the ever-present hum of nature.

TOBER:-

October: The Perfect Time to Be in Abu

October is the month to be in Mount Abu. At this time of year, the hill station is at its most beautiful. The hills are draped in every imaginable shade of green, a vibrant tapestry that blends with the clear skies and cool breezes. The temperature is perfect — neither too hot nor too cold — creating an atmosphere that invites you to step outside and enjoy the outdoors.

It’s a time for fun, frolicking, and soaking in the serene beauty that surrounds us. October in Abu is a season of pure joy, the ideal time to embrace everything this hill station offers.

The annual school concert St. Mary’s School

The first Holy Communion for the young boys of the school.

The Annual School Fete for the pleasure of the visiting parents and students

NOVEMBER:-

The Diwali season went off extremely well. Thousands of tourists thronged the streets and haunts of Abu. The spectre of drought that was hanging only a few months ago was now a thing of the past.

I can’t recall Abu having continuous rain in November for almost an entire week. This unprecedented rainfall caused a mini imbalance in this Eco-zone, the birds, bees and animals were thrown off balance. This extraordinary show of the rain gods also put the human population out.

DECEMBER:-

December: A Month of Frost and Festivities

 December in Mount Abu begins with a flurry of activity for school-going students as they wrap up their final examinations. It’s a hectic time, but once the exams are over, they head home for a well-deserved winter vacation — three full months of rest and freedom.

The mornings embrace us with a familiar visitor, Mr. Frost, coating the landscape in a thin, icy sheen. Daytime temperatures remain pleasant, but the chill deepens with the sun’s descent, and the mercury dips between +3 to -3 degrees on many nights. The frosty darkness reminds us that winter is here.

As time flies, I am eager to get my last message out before midnight.

”Merry Christmas, Folks!”

Kalá Hristúyenna, Merry Christmas and Joyful New Year, शुभ क्रिसमस, Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo.

Wishing you all a magical festive season filled with love, warmth, and beautiful thoughts. I want to take this moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for all your support and kind wishes throughout the year 2010.

“Merry Christmas!”

Bosky, my beloved basset 

Monsoons in the Abode of Gods.[ 07/09/2020 ]

 Monsoons Mount Abu in the year of the Pandemic 2020.

Paddy Bridge

This year, we had a few showers in lengthy intervals during July. They recorded only 6 inches of rain. August, the rainfall was erratic, and we had most of our rainfall at the fag end of the month. We observe an increase in climate change every year. Rainfall has become more variable, extreme, and catastrophic. We are now into the first week of September and yesterday the rain gods took it upon themselves to rain down cats and dogs. The torrential downpour for an hour and 30 minutes flooded not only our streams but the roads and all our water bodies, our two dams Lower Khodra and Upper Khodra dam the Nakki Lake overflowed, sending cascades of water down the hillsides. 

The met report now states our retreating monsoons are in play. Guess we will see a few thunderstorms before it finally peters out.

The tourists who were descending and those climbing the hill were in awe of the spectacle they witnessed. I’m posting a few pictures sent to me via WhatsApp about the events of yesterday.

Paddy Bridge

Tourists



Below are videos sent to me per kind favour Ms Trina.

Trina on the dam 

Per kind favour Ms Trina 

Mount Abu 6 Sept 2020

Received vis WhatsApp

Mount Abu weather

Uncovering the Weather Mysteries of Mount Abu

Mount Abu, also known as the Abode of Gods, is a site of tranquil beauty and enthralling vistas. This hill station in Rajasthan, India, is nestled in the heart of the Aravalli Range and has a climate as diverse as its rich history and culture. For ages, travellers and residents alike have been captivated by the ever-changing weather patterns in this lovely sanctuary. But how can one properly comprehend nature's whims in this magical land?

The modern world provides us with several opportunities to see what Mother Nature has in store for us. We might just turn on the television and watch the latest weather forecast. We can find weather information like temperature, precipitation, humidity, and the day forecast there, all nicely packaged for us. But the age-old issue remains: Can we trust these reports?

I just set out on a quest to learn the truth about Mount Abu's weather. A quick internet search led me into a rabbit hole of contradicting stories and untrustworthy sources. I soon learned that weather forecasts on TV and in daily newspapers are frequently exaggerated. They appear to be motivated by the need to maintain their good ratings rather than giving us a realistic picture of the atmosphere. As a result, I had to seek counsel elsewhere.

For years, I had my set of unusual weather indications. I used to forecast impending rains with astonishing precision, due to my mop of blonde hair that inexplicably kinked up. With a salt-and-pepper beard and a significantly receding head, I now have an extra barometer—my body. My arthritis and joint symptoms appear to be reliable predictors of changing air pressure, and I've learned to rely on them.

But what about the indigenous peoples, who have lived in peace with the land for centuries? The residents of Mount Abu rely on their strong bond with the environment and animal behaviour to forecast the weather. The march of ants, carrying their valuable eggs to higher ground, foretells of approaching rains. The Yellow-wattled Lapwing makes its nest in high places to avoid severe rains. Flies are also said to increase greatly in anticipation of a plentiful monsoon. The Pied Cuckoo, known for predicting the monsoons, arrived in our area on the 15th of this month, confirming the start of the rainy season..

The monsoons have undoubtedly honoured Mount Abu with their presence. It all started on July 24th, with the soothing pitter-patter of raindrops, which has since been a daily companion. True to Abu's character, the environment has engulfed the region in mist, resembling an unexpected guest knocking on every door. So far, we've received around 15 inches of rain.

Deciphering the weather in a site like Mount Abu, where the contemporary world meets old customs, is as much an art as it is a science. The weather on Mount Abu is as mysterious and captivating as the Abode of Gods, regardless of the information source.f

 

Plummy A Sight to Behold

The descending clouds smiling at me

The green foliage caressing me

My face is all bathed in misty dew

Every year I keep yearning for you