Climate of India Overview

Climate refers to the typical weather conditions of a region over a long period (more than 30 years). It's the overall sum of weather patterns in a specific area.

Weather refers to the state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place. It's what you experience outside right now.

Temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind, humidity, and precipitation are the main elements that make up both weather and climate.

India's climate is characterized by distinct seasons influenced by the monsoon winds, leading to a largely wet summer and generally dry winter.

While India has a generally similar climate pattern, there are notable regional variations. Temperatures and precipitation differ greatly between regions and even within the same region depending on the season.

Temperature differences between day and night can be significant in some parts of India, especially in deserts. Daytime temperatures may be extremely high, while night temperatures can drop significantly.

The highest temperatures in India can be found in the Rajasthan desert where the mercury can reach 50°C. On the other hand, winter temperatures in Drass, Jammu and Kashmir can drop to -45°C.

The seasonal reversal of wind direction during a year, typically associated with changes in precipitation patterns.

The amount of precipitation received in a given area over a year.

The distribution of precipitation over different months of the year.

Variations in temperature and precipitation across a region, often influenced by factors such as distance from the coast and elevation.

The average weather conditions over a long period of time, often characterized by temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns.

The difference in temperature between the warmest and coldest months of the year.

The influence of mountains on climate, acting as barriers to winds and sometimes causing increased precipitation.

The tendency for deserts to be located on the western sides of continents in subtropical regions.

The influence of latitude, altitude, and proximity to the sea on the climate of a region.

The period from March to May when the sun's position shifts northward, bringing heat and higher temperatures to India.

Distinct seasonal changes in weather conditions, particularly in India's interior, caused by the influence of the monsoon winds.

The seasonal wind system that brings heavy rainfall to India during the summer months due to low-pressure conditions over the northern plains.

Winter rainfall in India, primarily over the plains and as snowfall in the mountains, caused by low-pressure systems originating in the Mediterranean and western Asia.

A type of agricultural crop that is planted in the winter and harvested in the spring in India, benefiting from the 'mahawat' winter rains.

An apparent force caused by Earth's rotation. It deflects winds to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Dry winds blowing from a high-pressure area north of Himalayas towards low-pressure areas over the oceans.

The season when high-pressure forms in the northern Himalayas and low-pressure forms over the oceans.

The season when a low-pressure area forms over the Indian subcontinent, drawing moisture-laden winds.

Moist winds blowing from the Indian Ocean towards northwestern India, bringing heavy rainfall.

A large region of high atmospheric pressure, causing air to move outwards.

A large region of low atmospheric pressure, causing air to move inwards.

The movement of air from a high-pressure area to a low-pressure area.

The change in temperature from south to north in India.

The winds that blow from the west and northwest through the Ganga valley.

The effect of a large body of water on the climate of a nearby landmass, leading to less extreme temperature variations.

The tendency for inland areas to experience greater temperature extremes compared to coastal regions.

The movement of air masses over a large geographic area, driven by differences in pressure and temperature.

The force that deflects moving objects (like air) to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Winds that originate from the subtropical high-pressure belt and blow towards the equator.

When the monsoon winds are blowing towards India, bringing rain and cooler temperatures.

When the monsoon winds are blowing away from India, causing drier weather and cooler temperatures.

A period of cold weather in India, typically from mid-November to February, characterized by cool temperatures and clear skies

A type of cyclone that develops over tropical oceans and brings heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges.