Keynotes
Geography Grade 9
Chapter 4-Climate
1. What is the difference between Weather and Climate?
Climate refers to the sum total of weather conditions and their variations over a large area for a long
period of time, whereas weather refers to the state of the atmosphere over an area at any given time.
Both include the same elements — temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind, humidity, and
precipitation.
2. What are the Regional Variations in the Climatic Conditions of India?
There is great regional variation in India’s climate. Temperature and rainfall vary from place to place and
season to season.
In summer, temperatures may rise up to 50°C in Rajasthan but remain around 20°C in Kashmir.
In winter, Kashmir may experience –45°C while Kerala stays around 20°C.
In Andaman Islands, the difference between day and night temperature is only 7°–8°C.
Coastal areas have less contrast in temperature, while interior regions experience extremes.
Rainfall generally decreases from east to west in the northern plains.
The northeast receives maximum rainfall, while the Coromandel Coast gets rain in winter.
Areas with low rainfall include western Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, interior Deccan
Plateau, and Leh.
3. What are the Major Climatic Controls?
There are six major controls of climate: latitude, altitude, pressure and wind system, distance from the sea,
ocean currents, and relief features.
1. Latitude:
The amount of solar energy received varies with latitude; hence, temperature decreases from equator to
poles.
2. Altitude:
Temperature decreases with height, as the atmosphere becomes less dense. Hills are cooler.
3. Pressure and Wind System:
Pressure and Wind System depend on latitude and altitude, influencing temperature and rainfall patterns.
4. Distance from the Sea (Continentality):
Sea exerts a moderating influence. Inland areas experience extreme weather.
5. Ocean Currents:
Warm or cold currents along with onshore winds affect coastal temperatures.
6. Relief:
Mountains act as barriers — the Himalayas protect India from cold winds and cause rainfall on the
windward side, while the leeward side remains dry.
4. What are the Characteristics of the Cold Weather Season (Winter)?
It lasts from mid-November to February.
December and January are the coldest months in northern India.
Days are warm and nights are cold. Frost is common; Himalayan slopes get snow.
The northeast trade winds prevail during this period.
Weather is marked by clear skies, low humidity, and light winds.
Winter rainfall, known as ‘mahawat’, helps rabi crops.
Peninsular India lacks a distinct winter due to the sea’s influence
5. What are the Features of the Hot Weather Season (Summer)?
Occurs from March to May due to the northward movement of the sun.
Average temperatures: 38°C in March (Deccan Plateau), 42°C in April (Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh), and
45°C in May (northwestern India).
Peninsular India remains cooler because of the ocean.
Hot, dry winds called ‘loo’ blow in north and northwest India.
‘Kaal Baisakhi’ storms occur in West Bengal.
Pre-monsoon or ‘mango showers’ occur in Kerala and Karnataka, helping early mango ripening.
6. What are the Characteristics of the Advancing Monsoon (South-West Monsoon Season)?
Begins in early June due to low pressure over the northern plains.
Trade winds from the southern hemisphere cross the equator and blow as southwest monsoon winds.
The monsoon covers almost the entire country within a month.
The windward side of the Western Ghats receives heavy rainfall (250 cm+).
Deccan Plateau and Madhya Pradesh receive moderate rainfall.
Mawsynram (Meghalaya) receives the highest rainfall in the world.
Rainfall decreases from east to west in the Ganga Valley.
Rajasthan and Gujarat get scanty rainfall.
The monsoon is uncertain — it can cause floods in one region and droughts in another.
7. What are the Characteristics of the Retreating Monsoon (North-East Monsoon Season)?
Starts from October as low pressure weakens over northern plains and high pressure develops.
Winds withdraw gradually from north to south.
October and November are transition months from monsoon to winter.
The weather becomes hot and humid — known as “October Heat.”
Low-pressure areas shift to the Bay of Bengal, leading to cyclones.
The deltas of Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri face frequent cyclones causing heavy rainfall and damage.
The Coromandel Coast receives most of its rainfall during this season.
8. How is Rainfall Distributed in India?
Western coast and northeastern India receive over 400 cm rainfall annually.
Western Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, and interior Deccan Plateau get less than 60 cm.
The east of the Sahyadris also receives low rainfall.
Snowfall occurs only in the Himalayan region.
Other areas receive moderate rainfall.
9. Why is the Monsoon considered a Unifying Bond in India?
The Indian landscape, flora, and fauna are shaped by the monsoon.
It provides water for agriculture and influences all forms of life.
Festivals and farming activities across India are tied to the monsoon cycle.
People across the country eagerly await its arrival every year.
River systems formed by monsoon waters connect different regions, making the monsoon a true
unifying factor for India.
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