Climate-of-india/”>Climate of India
Climate is total of weather conditions and variations over a large area for a very long period of time of more than thirty years. But how is weather different from climate? Weather refers to the state of the Atmosphere over an area at any given period of time. Weather can change throughout the day whereas the climate of a country is the same for many years.
The climate of India is described as monsoon type. This type of climate is found in south and southeast Asia. However, there are variations in climatic conditions in the country itself. The coastal regions of India show the least amount of difference between the temperatures of night and day. In the interior regions, the difference in temperatures of day and night is huge.
Climatic Controls
Climatic controls are the factors that control the variations in temperature in the climate of India. There are six major climatic controls. They are:
Latitude: As the earth is round, sunlight does not reach everywhere equally. The temperature decreases as we move from the equator to the poles.
Altitude: As we move from the surface of the earth to the higher altitudes, the temperature decreases.
Pressure and wind system: The pressure and wind system of any area depend on the latitude and altitude of that place. Thus, it influences the temperature accordingly.
Distance from the sea: Coastal regions are cooler as compared to interior regions. As the distance from the sea increases, its influence decreases and the people experience extreme weather conditions.
Ocean currents: Cold ocean currents flowing over a region will decrease the temperature of that area whereas warm currents will increase the temperature.
Relief features: Relief features are the barriers that block currents from entering the country. High Mountains act as barriers for cold or Hot Winds.
Factors affecting the Climate of India
Latitude
We know that Tropic of Cancer, which separates the tropical areas and the sub-tropical areas of the earth, passes through the middle of Rann of Kuchchh in the west to Mizoram in the east. Therefore, the climate of India has characteristics of both tropical and sub-tropical climates.
Altitude
India has very tall mountains of about 6000 metres. The Himalayas prevent the Cold Winds from central Asia from entering India. It is due to this reason that India has a milder winter as compared to central Asia.
Pressure and Winds
India has unique wind and pressure conditions. During winter, the northern area near the Himalayas has high pressure. Therefore, winds from this region blow to the south where the pressure is lower. In summer, the northern part has lower pressure. Therefore, there is a reversal of wind direction. The winds from the south blow towards the north. These winds greatly affect the climate of India.
The Indian Monsoon
The climate of India depends greatly on Monsoon Winds. The monsoons usually happen due to the differential heating of land and water. You probably know that land heats faster than water. This change in heating leads to a difference in pressures, which in turn leads to currents. Thus, the changes in pressure conditions also affect the monsoons. Normally, there is high pressure in the tropical eastern-south Pacific Ocean and low pressure in the tropical eastern Indian Ocean. But as years have gone by, there has been a reversal in the pressure conditions. Therefore, the eastern Pacific has lower pressure. This periodic change in pressure conditions is known as Southern Oscillations or SO.
The Seasons
The climate of India has distinct seasonal patterns. The weather conditions change greatly from one season to another. The changes in temperature are extreme in the interior regions. The coastal regions do not experience extreme temperatures.
The Cold Weather Season (Winter)
The cold weather season in India begins from mid-November and stays until February. December and January are the coldest months. The temperature decreases as we go from south to north. The Average temperature in the south in winter is 24° – 25° while in the north, it is between 10° and 15° Celsius.
The Hot Weather Season (Summer)
The hot weather season in India is from March to May. In May, the temperatures go up to 45° in the northwestern parts of the country. Towards the end of the summer season, there are pre-monsoons showers common in Kerala and Karnataka. They are often referred to as ‘mango showers‘ because they help in the early ripening of mangoes in these states.
The Advancing Monsoon (Rainy Season)
By early June, the trade winds of the southern winds bring abundant moisture to the country. The windward side of the Western Ghats receives very heavy rainfall, more than 250 cm. The monsoon is known for its uncertainties. While it causes heavy floods in one part, it may be responsible for droughts in the other. It is also irregular in arrival and retreat.
Retreating Monsoons (Transition Season)
During October-November, the monsoons become weaker. The sun moves towards the south. By the beginning of October, monsoon withdraws from the Northern Plains. There is a transition from hot rainy season to dry winter season.
Distribution of Rainfall
Some parts of India receive about 400 cm of rainfall annually. However, it is less than 60 cm in Rajasthan and adjoining parts of Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab. The rest of the country receives moderate rainfall. Owing to this nature of monsoons, the annual rainfall is highly variable from year to year.,
India is a country with a diverse climate, ranging from tropical to temperate. The climate of India is influenced by its location in the tropics, its proximity to the Himalayas, and the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
The four main seasons in India are summer, monsoon, winter, and spring. Summer is the hottest season in India, and it lasts from March to June. The monsoon season is the wettest season in India, and it lasts from June to September. Winter is the coldest season in India, and it lasts from December to February. Spring is the transition season between winter and summer, and it lasts from March to May.
The monsoon is a seasonal wind that brings heavy rains to India. The monsoon is caused by the difference in temperature between the land and the ocean. The land heats up faster than the ocean, and this creates a low-pressure system over the land. The high-pressure system over the ocean then pushes the monsoon winds towards the land.
The monsoon is essential for agriculture in India. The rains from the monsoon help to water the crops, and they also help to replenish the groundwater. The monsoon is also a major tourist attraction in India. Many people come to India to see the beautiful scenery and to experience the unique culture.
The climate of India is changing due to Climate Change. The average temperature in India is increasing, and this is causing the Glaciers in the Himalayas to melt. The melting glaciers are causing the sea level to rise, and this is threatening the coastal areas of India. Climate change is also causing the monsoon to become more erratic, and this is leading to droughts and floods.
India is taking steps to adapt to climate change. The government is investing in RENEWABLE ENERGY, and it is also working to improve the efficiency of its energy use. The government is also working to protect its forests, which help to regulate the climate.
India is also taking steps to mitigate climate change. The government is working to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, and it is also working to promote Sustainable Development. The government is also working to educate its citizens about climate change, and it is working to build a climate-resilient Society.
The climate of India is a complex and dynamic system. It is influenced by a variety of factors, including the country’s location, its topography, and its ocean currents. The climate of India is also changing due to climate change. The government of India is taking steps to adapt to and mitigate climate change.
Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about the climate and seasons of India:
What is the climate of India?
India has a tropical climate with three main seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. The summer season is hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season is wet and rainy, with most of the country’s annual rainfall occurring during this time. The winter season is mild and dry, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius.What are the different seasons in India?
The four seasons in India are summer, monsoon, winter, and spring. Summer is the hottest season, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius. Monsoon is the wettest season, with most of the country’s annual rainfall occurring during this time. Winter is the coldest season, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. Spring is the transition season between winter and summer, with temperatures gradually increasing.What is the best time to visit India?
The best time to visit India depends on what you want to see and do. If you want to experience the country’s vibrant culture and festivals, then the best time to visit is during the winter months. If you want to enjoy the beaches and water Sports, then the best time to visit is during the summer months. And if you want to see the country’s natural beauty, then the best time to visit is during the monsoon season.What are some of the most popular tourist destinations in India?
Some of the most popular tourist destinations in India include the Taj Mahal, the Golden Temple, the backwaters of Kerala, and the beaches of Goa. The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India. It is widely recognized as “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.” The Golden Temple is a gurdwara located in Amritsar, India. It is the holiest Gurdwara and the most important pilgrimage site of Sikhism. The backwaters of Kerala are a Network of canals, lakes, and rivers located in the state of Kerala, India. They are a popular tourist destination for their natural beauty and for activities such as houseboating and kayaking. The beaches of Goa are a popular tourist destination for their white sand, clear water, and laid-back atmosphere.What are some of the most popular festivals in India?
Some of the most popular festivals in India include Diwali, Holi, and Durga puja. Diwali is a five-day festival of lights that is celebrated every year in the month of November. It is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism and is also celebrated by Jains, Sikhs, and Newar Buddhists. Holi is a two-day festival of colors that is celebrated every year in the month of March. It is a popular festival of spring and is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. Durga Puja is a ten-day festival that is celebrated every year in the month of October or November. It is a major festival in Hinduism and is dedicated to the goddess Durga.What are some of the most popular foods in India?
Some of the most popular foods in India include chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, naan, and samosas. Chicken tikka masala is a dish of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices and then cooked in a tomato-based sauce. Butter chicken is a dish of chicken marinated in yogurt, spices, and butter and then cooked in a tomato-based sauce. Naan is a type of flatbread that is cooked in a tandoor oven. Samosas are a type of savory pastry that is filled with potatoes, peas, and spices.What are some of the most popular languages spoken in India?
Hindi and English are the two Official Languages of India. Hindi is the most widely spoken language in India, with over 400 million speakers. English is the second most widely spoken language in India, with over 100 million speakers. Other popular languages spoken in India include Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, and Kannada.
Sure. Here are some MCQs without mentioning the topic Climate and Seasons of India:
Which of the following is not a type of climate?
(A) Tropical
(B) Temperate
(C) Polar
(D) DesertWhich of the following is not a season?
(A) Spring
(B) Summer
(C) Autumn
(D) WinterThe Earth’s climate is affected by which of the following?
(A) The tilt of the Earth’s axis
(B) The Earth’s orbit around the sun
(C) The Earth’s atmosphere
(D) All of the aboveThe Earth’s seasons are caused by which of the following?
(A) The tilt of the Earth’s axis
(B) The Earth’s orbit around the sun
(C) The Earth’s atmosphere
(D) The Earth’s distance from the sunThe Earth’s climate has changed throughout history due to which of the following?
(A) Volcanic eruptions
(B) Changes in the Earth’s orbit around the sun
(C) Changes in the Earth’s atmosphere
(D) All of the aboveThe Earth’s climate is currently changing due to which of the following?
(A) Human activity
(B) Natural causes
(C) Both human activity and natural causes
(D) None of the aboveThe main greenhouse gas is which of the following?
(A) Carbon dioxide
(B) Methane
(C) Water vapor
(D) All of the aboveGreenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, which causes the Earth’s temperature to rise. This is known as which of the following?
(A) Global Warming
(B) Climate change
(C) Both global warming and climate change
(D) None of the aboveGlobal warming is causing the Earth’s temperature to rise, which is having which of the following effects?
(A) Melting glaciers and ice sheets
(B) Rising sea levels
(C) More extreme weather events
(D) All of the aboveWhat can we do to help reduce global warming?
(A) Reduce our reliance on fossil fuels
(B) Conserve energy
(C) Plant trees
(D) All of the above