Heavy rainy season prevails in New Mexico - yet, what's the origin of the term 'monsoon'?
The monsoon season in New Mexico, officially recognised as June 15 to Sept. 30 by the National Weather Service, is a highly anticipated period for its consistent stream of moisture. This season draws moisture from both the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, providing much-needed rainfall to the southwestern region.
The term "monsoon" originates from the Arabic word *mausim* or *mawism*, meaning "season." This word was adopted along trade routes into various languages, including Hindi and Nepali, all of which refer to seasons or the monsoon seasonal winds. In English and other Western languages, "monsoon" came to refer specifically to the seasonal shift in wind direction occurring annually over India, Southeast Asia, and nearby regions, which brings heavy rainfall during the summer and cooler, drier air in winter.
New Mexico is part of the North American Monsoon System, which contributes significantly to the state's annual precipitation. Over 50% of New Mexico and Arizona's average annual precipitation falls between July and September. In fact, the city's most rainy monsoon season on record was in 2006, with 9.42 inches of rainfall, and statewide, the most rain to fall during the monsoon season came in 1941 with 12.53 inches.
The wettest day on record in Albuquerque was on Sept. 28, 1893, with 2.08 inches of rainfall. While the monsoon season in New Mexico is eagerly awaited, it can also bring challenges, as seen in the city's history.
The phenomenon has been noted since the early 20th century, and its impact has been documented in various historical records. For instance, an article in The Caledonian Mercury newspaper on March 16, 1749, mentioned the danger of the approaching monsoon season. Similarly, an April 25, 1761, article in The Ipswich Journal printed a letter from a passenger aboard a ship near the coast of India, describing the "Time of the Monsoons" as a "thing so dangerous that ships seldom attempt it."
The monsoon season in India is currently causing flooding, landslides, and deaths, underscoring the importance of understanding and preparing for this seasonal weather pattern.
Despite the occasional challenges, the monsoon season in New Mexico remains a vital part of the state's ecosystem, contributing to the beauty of its expansive vistas and vast open spaces, making it one of the most beautiful places in the United States.
- The term 'monsoon' originated from the Arabic word mausim or mawism, meaning "season," and was adopted along trade routes into various languages, including Hindi and Nepali.
- New Mexico is part of the North American Monsoon System, which contributes significantly to the state's annual precipitation, with over 50% of the average annual precipitation falling between July and September.
- In environmental-science and weather studies, understanding the impact of the monsoon season is crucial, as it not only provides much-needed rainfall but can also bring challenges, such as flooding, landslides, and fatalities, as seen in the current monsoon season in India.
- In education-and-self-development, exploring weather phenomena like the monsoon season can broaden one's understanding of climate-change and its effects on various regions, fostering a sense of global awareness and responsibility for our planet's health and environmental conservation.
