India experiences diverse climatic conditions due to its vast geography, latitudinal extent, and topographical variations. The country’s climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon Climate due to the influence of the Indian Ocean, Himalayas, and seasonal monsoon winds.
1. Factors Affecting the Climate of India
A. Latitudinal Extent
- India extends from 8°4′ N to 37°6′ N, covering both tropical and subtropical zones.
- The Tropic of Cancer (23°5′ N) divides India into two halves:
- Tropical Climate (South of Tropic of Cancer) – Warm and humid
- Subtropical Climate (North of Tropic of Cancer) – Hot summers, cold winters
B. The Himalayas
- Acts as a barrier to cold winds from Central Asia, keeping North India warmer in winter.
- Helps in monsoon formation by blocking the moisture-laden winds.
C. Indian Ocean & Surrounding Water Bodies
- The Arabian Sea & Bay of Bengal influence monsoon winds.
- The Indian Ocean acts as a heat reservoir, regulating temperatures.
D. Altitude (Relief Features)
- Higher altitudes experience lower temperatures.
- The Western Ghats & Himalayas affect rainfall patterns.
E. Monsoon Winds (Southwest & Northeast Monsoons)
- Southwest Monsoon (June–September) – Brings heavy rainfall.
- Northeast Monsoon (October–December) – Brings rainfall to Tamil Nadu.
2. Seasons of India
India experiences four major seasons according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD):
A. Winter (January – February)
- Sun’s rays fall vertically over the Tropic of Capricorn (Southern Hemisphere).
- Cold and dry winds from the Himalayas influence North India.
- Temperature variation:
- North India: 5°C to 15°C
- South India: 15°C to 25°C
- Western Disturbances bring rain to Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.
B. Summer (March – May)
- Sun moves towards the Tropic of Cancer, increasing temperature.
- Hot and dry winds (Loo) blow in North India.
- Highest temperatures recorded in Rajasthan (~50°C).
C. Monsoon (June – September)
- Southwest Monsoon winds bring heavy rainfall.
- Bay of Bengal Branch causes rainfall in Eastern and Northeastern India.
- Arabian Sea Branch brings rain to the Western Ghats.
D. Post-Monsoon (October – December)
- Northeast Monsoon brings rainfall to Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh.
- Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal affect the eastern coast.
- Transition season with retreating monsoon.
3. Climatic Regions of India (By Köppen’s Classification)
| Climate Type | Regions in India | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical Wet (Monsoon) | Western Coast, Northeast India | Heavy rainfall (Above 200 cm) |
| Tropical Dry (Arid & Semi-Arid) | Rajasthan, Gujarat, Deccan Plateau | Low rainfall, high temperature |
| Tropical Wet & Dry (Savanna) | Central India, Telangana, Karnataka | Moderate rainfall (100-150 cm) |
| Humid Subtropical | North India (UP, Bihar, Punjab) | Hot summers, cold winters |
| Mountain Climate | Himalayas, Leh, Ladakh | Low temperature, snowfall |
4. Distribution of Rainfall in India
A. Heavy Rainfall Regions (Above 200 cm per year)
- Western Ghats (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala)
- Northeast India (Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh)
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
🔹 Mawsynram (Meghalaya) – Highest rainfall in the world (~1187 cm).
B. Moderate Rainfall Regions (100 – 200 cm per year)
- Ganga Basin (UP, Bihar, West Bengal)
- Odisha, Chhattisgarh
- Parts of Eastern Madhya Pradesh
C. Low Rainfall Regions (50 – 100 cm per year)
- Punjab, Haryana, Western UP
- Parts of Rajasthan
- Gujarat, Maharashtra (Deccan Plateau)
D. Very Low Rainfall Regions (Below 50 cm per year)
- Thar Desert (Rajasthan, Gujarat)
- Ladakh, Lahaul-Spiti (Himachal Pradesh)
5. Cyclones in India
A. Types of Cyclones
- Tropical Cyclones – Originates over warm oceans (e.g., Bay of Bengal)
- Temperate Cyclones (Western Disturbances) – Affects North India in winter
B. Cyclone-Prone Areas
- Bay of Bengal Coast (Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal)
- Arabian Sea Coast (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala)
C. Famous Cyclones in India
| Cyclone Name | Year | Affected States |
|---|---|---|
| Phailin | 2013 | Odisha, Andhra Pradesh |
| Hudhud | 2014 | Andhra Pradesh |
| Amphan | 2020 | West Bengal, Odisha |
| Tauktae | 2021 | Gujarat, Maharashtra |
6. Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Which type of climate does India have?
a) Mediterranean
b) Tropical Monsoon
c) Tundra
d) Desert
✔ Answer: (b) Tropical Monsoon - Which city receives the highest annual rainfall in the world?
a) Cherrapunji
b) Mawsynram
c) Agumbe
d) Kochi
✔ Answer: (b) Mawsynram - Which wind brings monsoon to India?
a) Westerlies
b) Northeast Trade Winds
c) Southwest Monsoon
d) Local Winds
✔ Answer: (c) Southwest Monsoon - Which Indian state receives most rainfall from the Northeast Monsoon?
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Kerala
c) Maharashtra
d) West Bengal
✔ Answer: (a) Tamil Nadu - Which is the driest place in India?
a) Leh
b) Jaisalmer
c) Kutch
d) Bikaner
✔ Answer: (b) Jaisalmer - The Western Disturbances cause winter rainfall in which region?
a) Deccan Plateau
b) Punjab & Haryana
c) West Bengal
d) Odisha
✔ Answer: (b) Punjab & Haryana - Which river is most prone to floods in Bihar?
a) Yamuna
b) Kosi
c) Godavari
d) Krishna
✔ Answer: (b) Kosi - Which factor prevents cold winds from Central Asia entering India?
a) Indian Ocean
b) Aravalli Hills
c) Himalayas
d) Western Ghats
✔ Answer: (c) Himalayas
7. Short Answer Questions
- What is the average annual rainfall of India?
- About 125 cm.
- Which place in India receives the highest rainfall?
- Mawsynram (Meghalaya).
- Which is the hottest place in India?
- Phalodi (Rajasthan) – Recorded 51°C in 2016.
- Which monsoon brings rain to Tamil Nadu?
- Northeast Monsoon.
- What is the driest place in India?
- Jaisalmer (Rajasthan).
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