ST.
MARY’S CONVENT HIGH SCHOOL
(2026-2027)
GEOGRAPHY
CLASS 10 A, B, C, D
CLIMATE – NOTES
❖ Introduction and Key Factors Affecting Climate
• India has a diverse climate due to its vast size and varied physical features.
• India extends from 8°N to 37°6'N latitude, covering about 3200 km from north to south
• The Tropic of Cancer (23½°N) passes almost through the middle of India
• It divides India into:
• Tropical Zone (South)
• Subtropical/Temperate Zone (North)
• Role of the Himalayas
❖ The Great Himalayan Range acts as a climatic barrier. It:
• Prevents cold winds from Central Asia from entering India
• Helps in trapping monsoon winds, causing rainfall
❖ Key Factors Affecting Climate
Factor Effect
Latitude Determines amount of solar heat received
Altitude Higher altitude = lower temperature
Distance from Sea Coastal areas = moderate climate; interior = extreme
Winds Bring rainfall and influence temperature
Himalayas Block cold winds and influence monsoon
Jet Streams Control onset and withdrawal of monsoon
El Niño Weakens monsoon rainfall
❖ Climatic Contrasts and Regional Variations
• India shows wide climatic variations due to differences in location and relief.
❖ North of Tropic of Cancer
• Experiences continental climate
❖ Features:
• Very hot summers (up to 50°C)
• Very cold winters (can go below -40°C in places like Dras)
• Large annual temperature range
❖ South of Tropic of Cancer
• Has tropical climate
❖ Features:
• Uniform temperatures (around 25–27°C)
• No extreme seasonal variation
❖ Coastal Regions
• Experience equable (moderate) climate
• Due to moderating influence of the sea
❖ Features:
• No extreme heat or cold
• High humidity
❖ The Four Seasons of India
• India has four main seasons, mainly controlled by the monsoon system.
❖ Hot Dry Season (March–May)
Characterised by:
• High temperatures
• Low pressure over land
• Northern plains become extremely hot
❖ Local phenomena:
• Dust storms
• Thunderstorms
• Important for formation of monsoon conditions
❖ South-West Monsoon Season (June–September)
• Main rainy season of India
• Contributes about 75–80% of annual rainfall
• Winds blow from sea to land, carrying moisture
❖ Two branches:
• Arabian Sea Branch
• Bay of Bengal Branch
❖ Retreating Monsoon Season (October–November)
• Also called Transition Season
❖ Features:
• Withdrawal of monsoon winds
• Rise in temperature → ‘October Heat’
• Formation of cyclones in Bay of Bengal
• Heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu
❖ Winter Season (December–February)
Characterised by:
• Low temperatures in North India
• High pressure over land
• Winds blow from land to sea (dry)
• Rainfall occurs due to:
• Western Disturbances (important for wheat crops)
❖ Local Winds and Weather Phenomena
India experiences several local winds and seasonal weather events.
❖ Loo
• Hot, dry, dusty wind
• Blows over Northern Plains
• Occurs during May–June
• Can cause heatstroke
❖ Kali Baisakhi (Nor’westers)
• Violent thunderstorms
• Occur in West Bengal and Assam
• Season: April–May
• Beneficial for: Tea ; Jute crops
❖ Mango Showers
• Pre-monsoon rainfall
• Occurs in Kerala and Karnataka
• Season: April–May
• Helps in: Ripening of mangoes ; Growth of coffee and tea