CLIMATE
PRESENTED BY Aakriti , Aadhya & Aaradhya
Introduction
Climate means the average weather condition
of a place over a long period of time. India
has a great variety of climate because of its
large size, different landforms and location.
The climate of India is mainly influenced by
factors like latitude, altitude, distance from
the sea, relief features and winds. India
mostly experiences a monsoon type of
climate, where rainfall happens mainly in
summer due to monsoon winds. This chapter
helps us understand the different seasons,
monsoon system, rainfall distribution and the
importance of climate in our lives.
climate controls
1) Latitude
Latitude decides how much heat a place receives from the Sun. Places near the Equator are
hotter, while places away from it are cooler.
Example: South India is warmer than North India.
2) Altitude
As height increases, temperature decreases. That is why mountainous areas are colder than
plains.
Example: Shimla is colder than Delhi.
Relief features
Mountains and landforms affect the movement of winds and rainfall. The Himalayas block cold
winds from Central Asia, and the Western Ghats cause heavy rainfall on the west coast.
Example: Rajasthan gets less rainfall because it lies in the rain shadow region.
3. pressure and wind system
Pressure differences create winds. Winds control temperature and rainfall in many places. Monsoon winds
bring most of the rainfall in India.
4. Distance from the sea
The sea reduces extreme temperatures. Coastal areas have a moderate climate, while inland
areas have extreme climate.
5. Ocean currents
Ocean currents affect the temperature of coastal areas. Warm currents make coastal regions
warmer and wetter, while cold currents make them cooler and drier.
The Seasons
The Cold Weather Season ( Winter) Advancing Monsoon ( Rainy Season )
The Hot Weather Season ( Summer ) Retreating Monsoon
Cold Weather Season
The cold weather season in India lasts from
December to February. During this time,
temperature falls, especially in the northern
plains. The days are pleasant but nights are
cold. Cold and dry winds blow from the
north and north-east, and the sky remains
mostly clear. Most parts of India get very
little rainfall, but north-west India receives
some rain due to western disturbances,
which helps rabi crops.
The Tamil Nadu coast gets rainfall from the
north-east monsoon winds.
Hot Weather Season
The hot weather season in India lasts
from March to May. During this period,
the temperature rises rapidly, especially
in the northern plains. The hot and dry
winds called “Loo” blow in north India,
causing extreme heat. In many areas,
dust storms are common and bring
temporary relief. Some local winds also
cause rainfall, such as Kalbaisakhi in
West Bengal and Assam, and mango
showers in Kerala and Karnataka. This
season ends with the arrival of the
South-West Monsoon.
Advancing Monsoon
The advancing monsoon season in India lasts
from June to September. During this time,
the South-West monsoon winds blow from
the sea towards the land and bring heavy
rainfall in most parts of the country. The
monsoon first reaches Kerala in early June
and then spreads to the whole country. These
winds divide into two branches—the Arabian
Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch.
This season gives about 75% to 90% of
India’s total rainfall. The rainfall is not
continuous and comes with breaks, which
means dry periods between rainy days. The
advancing monsoon is very important for
agriculture and water supply in India.
Retreating Monsoon
The retreating monsoon season in India lasts
from October to November. During this time,
the South-West monsoon winds start
withdrawing from the northern plains and
gradually leave the country. The weather
becomes clear and pleasant, but the days
remain warm. This season is also called the
transition period from rainy to winter season.
In many parts of India, especially the northern
plains, there is a condition called “October
Heat”, which means hot and humid weather
after the monsoon. The Tamil Nadu coast
receives most of its rainfall in this season due
to the North-East monsoon winds and
cyclones from the Bay of Bengal.
[Link] is not same everywhere in India
- it is unevenly distributed.
[Link] rainfall happens due to the
Southwest Monsoon (June–September).
[Link] rainfall occurs in Northeast
India (like Meghalaya –
Mawsynram/Cherrapunji).
Distribution [Link] rainfall also occurs on the
Western Ghats (Konkan coast, Kerala).
of Rainfall
[Link] rainfall is received in interior parts
of Deccan Plateau because Western
Ghats block the monsoon winds.
[Link] low rainfall happens in Rajasthan
(Thar Desert) and Ladakh (cold desert).
[Link] decreases from east to west in
the Northern Plains (like Assam gets
more than Punjab).
[Link] Nadu gets rainfall mostly in
winter from the Northeast Monsoon
(Oct–Nov).
Monsoon as a Unifying Bond
Monsoon connects the whole country
because most parts of India get rainfall Rivers, dams and water supply in India
from the same monsoon winds. mainly depend on monsoon rain.
Agriculture depends on monsoon, so The Indian economy is affected by
farmers in different states wait for monsoon because good rainfall means
monsoon for crops like rice, cotton, good crops and bad monsoon causes
sugarcane etc. drought or flood.
Many festivals and traditions are linked
with monsoon, like Teej, Onam, Bihu,
etc.
Thank
You