<<–2/”>a >em>Climate of Sikkim
- The Climate of Sikkim is extremely varied largely due to variation in altitude.
- It has the Himalayan or high mountain type of climate.
- Altitude is the most important factor controlling the climate and weather condition here.
- Relief features such as high Mountains act as the barriers for the movements of Monsoon Winds.
- Low temperature, high rainfall on windward slopes, comparatively dry on the leeward side and heavy Precipitation in the form of snow at the mountain top are the main features of the Climate of Sikkim.
- Due to great variation in sharp edged mountains throughout the state, there is large variation in rainfall and temperature.
- The Himalayas act as barrier to monsoon winds forcing them to ascend thereb
y causing orographic rainfall and snow fall. - The Himalayas also act as barrier to the flow of Cold Winds from Central Asia, resulting heavy snowfall on the mountain tops and higher elevations and dry winter season at lower elevation located at the leeward side.
- The monsoon winds dominate the Climate of Sikkim.
- There is seasonal reversal of winds almost throughout the Climate of Sikkim.
- The monsoon imposes the seasonal rhythm which is apparent in the activities of the people since most of them are agriculturists.
- The following four seasons are prevalent on the basis of the monsoon circulation over the state.
- The cold weather season – December to February
- The spring weather season – March to May
- The south-west monsoon – June to September
- The period of retreating monsoon – October to November
Rainfall and temperature of Climate of Sikkim
- The mean annual rainfall varies from 2000 mm. to 4000 mm. with intensity of rain from drizzling showers in lower altitude to torrential rains in higher altitude.
- There are two maximum rainfall areas (i) South-East region and (ii) South-West region.
- There is an area in the North-West region which gets very little rainfall.
- The greater part of rain fall is received during May to September.
- The annual rainfall of Sikkim is 2739 mm.
- The temperature varies with the altitude and slope aspect.
- The mean temperature in the lower altitudinal zone, it varies from 1.5 degree centigrade to 9.5 degree centigrade.
- The maximum temperature is usually recorded during July-August which varies from 21 Degree Celsius to 26 Degree Celsius and minimum during December-January between 6 Degree Celsius and 8 Degree Celsius.
- Fog is a common feature in the entire state from May to September.
- Biting cold is experienced at high altitude places in the winter months and snowfall is also not uncommon during this period.
- Climatic factors are entirely influenced by altitude.
| S. No. | Station | Maximum Temperature (Degree Centigrade) | Minimum Temperature
(Degree Centigrade) |
Rainfall (millimeter) |
| 1 | Gangtok | 18.8 | 12.7 | 3589.5 |
| 2 | Mangan | 25.5 | 15.3 | 3244.1 |
| 3 | Mazitar | 29.4 | 17.3 | 1620.2 |
| 4 | Namthang | 32.1 | 14.0 | 1972.0 |
Climatic types in Climate of Sikkim
- Snow Peak Type:
- This climate conforms to altitude of 4001 meters or more above the mean sea level.
- The mountain peaks are mostly covered by snow. Precipitation is mainly through snowfall.
- Cultivable land is not available in this climatic type.
- Vegetation is mainly herbs or medicinal herbs.
- Densely forested hill type:
- These climatic conditions are found between 2701 metres and 4000 metres above the mean sea level.
- The land has dense vegetation with tall trees and variety of rhododendron and primula flowers.
- It is mostly covered by snow during winter season and precipitation is through snow and heavy rainfall during summer.
- Winter is extremely cold. Potato and cabbage are cultivated during summer months at Thangu, Lachen and Lachung in North District.
- Very high hill type:
- Such climatic conditions are associated with the height between 1701 metres and 2700 metres above the mean sea level.
- Snow fall is common during winter months, i.e. December to February and heavy rainfall during June-July.
- This climate is suitable for seed potato growing. Other alternative crops are temperate fruit Plants cabbage, peas, radish and other vegetables.
- Soyabeans, high altitude maize and off season cabbage cultivation is common.
- Lachen, Lachung, Ravongla, Damthang, Phadamchen, Zuluk, Okhrey, Hilley, Bhareng and Ribdi are the important areas in this climatic type.
- High hill type:
- The climate between 1501 metres and 1700 metres above the mean sea level falls under this category.
- Precipitation is mainly through rainfall.
- This is essentially a large cardamom growing belt.
- Other important crops of the zone are the maize, peas, Millets, vegetables etc. Usually, this is essentially a dry weather with occasional drizzling in winter and heavy rainfalls in summer.
- Mid hill type:
- Such climate is found between 881 metres and 1500 metres above the mean sea level.
- This is essentially an orange belt, most suited for cultivation of orange.
- Winters are cold and dry without any rain and summers with heavy rainfall.
- The other crops are the maize, paddy, oilseeds, pulses, large cardamom, ginger and vegetables etc.
- Low hill type:
- The climate between 300 to 880 metres above the mean sea level may be called low hill type.
- This climate is essentially a sub-tropical type and suitable for cultivation of sub-tropical fruits such as banana, guava, lemon and lime etc.
- Most of the area is under paddy cultivation. Other important crops are maize, pulses, oilseeds, ginger and vegetables.
- The winters are dry and comparatively warm and the summer are hot and have comparatively less rainfall.
- Thus the Climate of Sikkim and the seasons of Sikkim state are suitable for growing varieties of crops which include not only Cereals but also commercial crops.
- Paddy, maize, millets, pulses are the principal crops and large cardamom, potato, ginger and other horticultural crops are the Cash Crops.
- Orange is also a commercial fruits of Sikkim
,
The climate of Sikkim is temperate, with a monsoonal influence. The Average temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C, and the annual rainfall is about 3,000 mm. The best time to visit Sikkim is during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November), when the weather is pleasant.
Temperature
The temperature in Sikkim varies with altitude. The lower hills have a subtropical climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The higher hills have a temperate climate, with cool summers and cold winters. The highest mountains have an alpine climate, with very cold winters and short, cool summers.
Rainfall
Sikkim receives most of its rainfall during the monsoon season, which runs from June to September. The average annual rainfall is about 3,000 mm. The highest rainfall occurs in the eastern and southern parts of the state, where the mountains are higher. The lowest rainfall occurs in the western and northern parts of the state, where the mountains are lower.
Humidity
The humidity in Sikkim is high, especially during the monsoon season. The average relative humidity is about 70%. The highest humidity occurs in the eastern and southern parts of the state, where the mountains are higher. The lowest humidity occurs in the western and northern parts of the state, where the mountains are lower.
Wind speed
The wind speed in Sikkim is generally low. The average wind speed is about 10 km/h. The highest wind speeds occur in the eastern and southern parts of the state, where the mountains are higher. The lowest wind speeds occur in the western and northern parts of the state, where the mountains are lower.
Sunshine hours
The sunshine hours in Sikkim are moderate. The average sunshine hours per day are about 6 hours. The highest sunshine hours occur in the western and northern parts of the state, where the mountains are lower. The lowest sunshine hours occur in the eastern and southern parts of the state, where the mountains are higher.
Sikkim is one of the most vulnerable states in India to the impacts of climate change. The state is already experiencing the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and melting Glaciers. These changes are having a significant impact on the state’s Environment, economy, and Society.
Impact Of Climate Change on Sikkim
The impacts of climate change on Sikkim are already being felt. The state is experiencing rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and melting glaciers. These changes are having a significant impact on the state’s environment, economy, and society.
Rising temperatures are causing the snowmelt season to start earlier and end later. This is leading to increased flooding and landslides. The changes in precipitation patterns are also causing problems. The state is experiencing more intense monsoon rains, which are leading to flooding and landslides. The state is also experiencing longer periods of drought, which are affecting agriculture and water Resources.
The melting glaciers are also having a significant impact on the state. The glaciers are a major source of water for the state, and their melting is leading to a decline in Water Resources. This is affecting agriculture, hydropower generation, and drinking water supplies.
Adaptation measures to climate change in Sikkim
The government of Sikkim is taking a number of measures to adapt to the impacts of climate change. These measures include:
- Building climate-resilient Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE
- Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
- Conserving water resources
- Reforestation
- Raising awareness about climate change
These measures are helping to reduce the vulnerability of the state to the impacts of climate change. However, more needs to be done to address the challenges posed by climate change.
1. What is the capital of Sikkim?
Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim.
2. What is the Population of Sikkim?
The population of Sikkim is 610,577 (2011 census).
3. What is the language spoken in Sikkim?
The Official Language of Sikkim is Nepali.
4. What is the religion of Sikkim?
The majority religion in Sikkim is Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism.
5. What is the currency of Sikkim?
The currency of Sikkim is the Indian rupee.
6. What is the time zone of Sikkim?
Sikkim is in the UTC+5:30 time zone.
7. What is the climate of Sikkim?
Sikkim has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cool winters.
8. What are the major tourist attractions in Sikkim?
The major tourist attractions in Sikkim include the Nathu La Pass, the Yumthang Valley, the Kanchenjunga National Park, and the Tsomgo Lake.
9. What are the major festivals in Sikkim?
The major festivals in Sikkim include the Losar Festival, the Dussehra Festival, and the Diwali Festival.
10. What are the major food items in Sikkim?
The major food items in Sikkim include momos, thukpa, and sikkimese curry.
11. What are the major handicrafts in Sikkim?
The major handicrafts in Sikkim include woodcarving, metalwork, and weaving.
12. What are the major exports of Sikkim?
The major exports of Sikkim include tea, cardamom, and ginger.
13. What are the major imports of Sikkim?
The major imports of Sikkim include petroleum products, machinery, and food items.
14. What is the Literacy rate in Sikkim?
The literacy rate in Sikkim is 82.2%.
15. What is the life expectancy in Sikkim?
The life expectancy in Sikkim is 72.1 years.
16. What is the infant mortality rate in Sikkim?
The infant mortality rate in Sikkim is 25.7 deaths per 1,000 live births.
17. What is the POVERTY rate in Sikkim?
The poverty rate in Sikkim is 11.8%.
18. What is the Unemployment rate in Sikkim?
The unemployment rate in Sikkim is 4.5%.
19. What is the GDP of Sikkim?
The GDP of Sikkim is $2.3 billion.
20. What is the GDP per capita of Sikkim?
The GDP per capita of Sikkim is $3,700.
21. What is the government of Sikkim?
Sikkim is a parliamentary Democracy. The head of state is the Governor, who is appointed by the President of India. The head of government is the Chief Minister, who is elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly.
22. What are the Political Parties in Sikkim?
The major political parties in Sikkim are the Sikkim Democratic Front, the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
23. What is the history of Sikkim?
Sikkim was an independent kingdom until 1975, when it became an Indian state.
24. What is the Education system in Sikkim?
The education system in Sikkim is based on the Indian education system. There are government schools, private schools, and international schools in Sikkim.
25. What is the healthcare system in Sikkim?
The healthcare system in Sikkim is based on the Indian healthcare system. There are government hospitals, private hospitals, and nursing homes in Sikkim.
26. What is the transportation system in Sikkim?
The transportation system in Sikkim is based on the Indian transportation system. There are roads, railways, and Airports in Sikkim.
27. What is the tourism Industry in Sikkim?
The tourism industry in Sikkim is a major contributor to the state’s economy. Sikkim is a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty, its cultural heritage, and its religious sites.
**28. What are the challenges
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Sikkim is located in the eastern Himalayas. Which of the following is not a climate type found in Sikkim?
(A) Temperate
(B) Alpine
(C) Tropical
(D) Subtropical -
The highest mountain in Sikkim is Kanchenjunga, which is the third highest mountain in the world. What is the average temperature at the summit of Kanchenjunga?
(A) -30 degrees Celsius
(B) -40 degrees Celsius
(C) -50 degrees Celsius
(D) -60 degrees Celsius -
The monsoon season in Sikkim typically lasts from June to September. What is the average rainfall during the monsoon season?
(A) 1,000 mm
(B) 2,000 mm
(C) 3,000 mm
(D) 4,000 mm -
The main agricultural crops grown in Sikkim are rice, maize, and wheat. What is the average annual temperature in Sikkim?
(A) 15 degrees Celsius
(B) 20 degrees Celsius
(C) 25 degrees Celsius
(D) 30 degrees Celsius -
The main tourist attractions in Sikkim are the Nathu La Pass, the Yumthang Valley, and the Kanchenjunga National Park. What is the average humidity in Sikkim?
(A) 60%
(B) 70%
(C) 80%
(D) 90% -
The official language of Sikkim is Nepali. What is the main religion in Sikkim?
(A) Hinduism
(B) Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism
(C) Christianity
(D) Islam -
The capital of Sikkim is Gangtok. What is the population of Sikkim?
(A) 600,000
(B) 700,000
(C) 800,000
(D) 900,000 -
Sikkim is a member of the Indian Union. What is the currency of Sikkim?
(A) Indian rupee
(B) Bhutanese ngultrum
(C) Nepalese rupee
(D) Chinese yuan -
Sikkim is a landlocked state. What is the total area of Sikkim?
(A) 7,000 square kilometers
(B) 8,000 square kilometers
(C) 9,000 square kilometers
(D) 10,000 square kilometers -
Sikkim is a popular tourist destination. What is the highest point in Sikkim?
(A) Kanchenjunga
(B) Mount Everest
(C) Lhotse
(D) Makalu