Asiatic low

meteorology

Also known as: Iranian low, South Asian low

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Last updated

June 18, 2026

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The Asiatic low is a meteorological phenomenon characterized by a low-pressure area that develops over southern Asia, particularly the Indus River basin, during the summer months (April to August). This low-pressure system is created by the intense heating of the continent during this period.12

The formation of the Asiatic low is closely linked to the onset of the monsoon season in India and Southeast Asia. Changes in atmospheric circulation, including the disintegration of the southern jet stream, contribute to its development. Air masses flow into this low-pressure zone from a high-pressure cell off the coast of southern Africa. Due to the Coriolis force, these winds shift direction, becoming southwesterly in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, bringing significant rainfall to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.1

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Asia
The polar front
Known as the South Asian (or Iranian) low, it appears in April and is fully developed from June to August. The onset of monsoon in India and mainland Southeast Asia is related to changes in the circulation pattern that occur by June—specifically, the disintegration of the southern jet…
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Known as the South Asian (or Iranian) low, it appears in April and is fully developed from June to August. The onset of monsoon in India and mainland Southeast Asia is related to changes in the circulation pattern that occur by June—specifically, the disintegration of the southern jet…
Read More

Europe
Air pressure belts
…but extending westward; and the Asiatic low, a low-pressure summertime system over southwestern Asia. Given those pressure conditions, westerly winds prevail in northwestern Europe, becoming especially strong in winter. The winter westerlies, often from the southwest, bring in warm tropical air; in summer, by contrast, they veer to the northwest…
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…but extending westward; and the Asiatic low, a low-pressure summertime system over southwestern Asia. Given those pressure conditions, westerly winds prevail in northwestern Europe, becoming especially strong in winter. The winter westerlies, often from the southwest, bring in warm tropical air; in summer, by contrast, they veer to the northwest…
Read More