Several factors influence the Indian monsoon, which is a complex climatic phenomenon vital for agriculture and the economy. One of the most significant factors is the differential heating and cooling of land and water bodies, where the Indian subcontinent heats up faster than the surrounding oceans, creating a low-pressure area that draws moist winds from the oceans. The presence of the Himalayas also plays a crucial role by acting as a barrier, preventing the cold Central Asian winds from reaching India and forcing the monsoon winds to rise and precipitate. Additionally, the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which shifts northward during summer, aligns over India and enhances monsoon activity. The El Niño and La Niña phenomena in the Pacific Ocean significantly affect the strength and timing of the monsoon; El Niño tends to weaken it, while La Niña usually strengthens it. Moreover, tropical easterly jet streams, western disturbances, and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) also influence monsoon patterns. The complex interplay of these global and regional climatic factors determines the onset, intensity, and duration of the Indian monsoon. Stay updated with C4S Courses.