Climate and Weather in India

The state of the atmosphere at a specific location and time, including factors like temperature, wind, humidity, and precipitation.

The long-term average weather patterns of a region, encompassing variations over years or decades.

India's climate is heavily influenced by these seasonal winds, bringing significant rainfall and impacting weather patterns across the country.

The line of latitude that passes through India at 23°26′N, dividing the country into tropical and subtropical regions.

As you move higher in elevation, the temperature generally decreases. This is why hill stations are cooler than plains.

During winter, high pressure over the Himalayas drives cold winds southward. During summer, low pressure over Central Asia reverses this pattern, pulling moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean.

High-altitude winds in the troposphere that influence weather patterns, particularly bringing cyclonic disturbances to northern India.

The Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a low-pressure area near the equator that plays a role in monsoon formation.

The difference in heating and cooling of land and water creates low pressure over India, drawing in monsoon winds.

The movement of the westerly and tropical easterly jet streams influences rainfall distribution in India.

The periodic shift in pressure conditions between the eastern South Pacific and eastern Indian oceans influences monsoon intensity.

The onset of monsoon is marked by a sudden increase in rainfall, often referred to as a ‘burst’.

The division of the monsoon into two branches - the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch - influences rainfall distribution.

The period during which the monsoon withdraws from the Indian subcontinent, typically from October to December.

The increase in temperature that occurs in the northern plains during the monsoon's withdrawal, often referred to as 'October heat'.

The time period from mid-November to February, characterized by cool days and cold nights with possible frost in northern India.

The prevailing wind pattern during the cold weather season, blowing from land to sea, bringing dry conditions.

Weather disturbances common in northern India during the cold weather season, often bringing winter rainfall and snowfall in the Himalayas.

The time period from March to May, characterized by rising temperatures and the intense heat of summer.

A hot, dry wind that blows during the hot weather season, particularly in the northern parts of India.

Dust storms accompanied by light rainfall that sometimes occur in northern India during May, bringing temporary relief from the heat.

Torrential downpours accompanied by hail that occur in West Bengal during the hot weather season, known for their intensity.

Rain showers common in Kerala and Karnataka during the end of the summer season, helping mangoes ripen earlier.

The period of the year when the monsoon is advancing across the country, bringing heavy rainfall to different regions.

The Western Ghats, facing the windward side, experience exceptionally heavy rainfall during the early monsoon season.

The northeastern parts of India receive abundant monsoon rainfall, with Mawsynram in Meghalaya being the wettest place on Earth.

As the monsoon advances westward, rainfall gradually decreases, resulting in relatively dry conditions in western India.

The monsoon brings vital water needed for agriculture, making it a crucial part of India's economy and cultural practices.