Monsoon
In short
A seasonal shift in wind patterns and rainfall that brings heavy precipitation to specific regions. It is driven by the temperature difference between land and sea.
In plain words
During certain times of the year, the wind changes direction. This brings huge amounts of rain to some areas and very dry weather to others.
A simple example
In India, the summer monsoon brings heavy rains that are vital for farming. This happens when warm air rises over the land and pulls moist air in from the ocean.
Why it matters
These weather patterns dictate food production and water supplies for billions of people. Changes in the monsoon can cause droughts or devastating floods.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse a monsoon with a single tropical storm or cyclone, which are individual weather events.