Climate of India: Temperature and Seasons

Climate Overview

• India predominantly has a tropical monsoon climate, influenced by air masses from the tropical belt between 20°N and 20°S.
• Characteristics include high temperatures and dry winters, which vary across different regions.

Seasonal Distribution

• Summer: March to May, high temperatures.
• Monsoon: June to September, heavy rainfall due to southwest monsoon.
• Retreating Monsoon: October to November, transition period.
• Winter: December to February, cooler temperatures.

Regional Climate Variations

• Climatic conditions vary across regions, leading to sub-types of monsoon climate.
• Northern regions like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh experience different climatic conditions compared to southern regions like Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Factors of variation include differences in winds, temperature, rainfall, and humidity levels.

Temperature Distribution

• Temperature varies significantly across regions and times.
• Barmer (Rajasthan) can reach up to 48°C, while Pahalgam (Kashmir) may remain around 22°C, highlighting spatial variations.
• Dras near Kargil can drop to -40°C in winter, contrasting with Kerala's milder December temperatures around 20-22°C.
• Annual temperature range varies from 3°C along Malabar Coast to over 20°C in interior regions.
• Areas like the Andaman Islands and Kerala have narrow day-night temperature differences, while the Thar desert experiences wide variations.

Precipitation Patterns

• Precipitation types and amounts vary greatly across the country.
• The Himalayas receive snowfall, while most of India experiences rainfall during monsoon seasons.
• Cherrapunji and Mawsynram in Meghalaya receive approximately 1100 cm of rain annually, contrasting with Jaisalmer's meager 9 cm.
• Tura in Meghalaya can receive in one day what Jaisalmer does in ten years.
• Coastal areas, like Tamil Nadu, receive rainfall primarily in winter, while the Coromandel Coast remains dry during July and August.

Factors Influencing Climate

• Himalayas: Act as a barrier, preventing cold winds from Siberia and forcing southwest monsoon winds to shed moisture.
• Topography and Relief: Varied relief shapes climatic conditions significantly.
  • Windward sides (Western Ghats) receive significant rainfall, while leeward (rain shadow) areas, like the Deccan Plateau, receive less.

Specific Climate Influences

• The Aravali Range in Rajasthan does not effectively block moisture-laden winds, contributing to dryness.
• Southern hills of Assam receive significant rainfall, while the northern hills do not experience the same level of moisture.

These climatic elements illustrate India's diverse weather patterns and the complex interplay of geographical features affecting them.

Explore the unique climate of India, focusing on temperature distribution, rainfall mechanisms, and seasonal changes. This quiz covers the summer and winter patterns, monsoon seasons, and the factors that influence the tropical monsoon climate of the region.