Chapter: Climate
1. Introduction
• Climate vs. Weather:
o Weather refers to the atmospheric conditions over a short period, while climate is
the average weather conditions over a longer period (30+ years).
o India has a monsoon type of climate—characterized by seasonal reversal of wind
directions.
2. Climatic Controls
• The factors that affect the climate of a place are:
1. Latitude: Temperature decreases as we move away from the equator.
2. Altitude: Higher altitudes have cooler climates.
3. Pressure and Wind Systems: Influence the rainfall and temperature.
4. Distance from the Sea (Continentality): Coastal areas have moderate climates,
while interiors have extreme climates.
5. Ocean Currents: Warm and cold ocean currents influence coastal climates.
6. Relief Features: Mountains and valleys affect temperature and rainfall distribution.
3. Factors Affecting India's Climate
• Latitude: India spans the Tropic of Cancer, leading to tropical and subtropical climates.
• Altitude: The Himalayas block cold winds from Central Asia, protecting Northern India from
extreme cold.
• Pressure and Winds:
o India's climate is influenced by pressure systems such as the Tibetan high, Inter
Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), and Jet Streams.
o Monsoon winds dominate the weather, with winds changing direction seasonally.
4. The Indian Monsoon
• Mechanism of Monsoon:
o High temperatures in northern India during summer cause low pressure, drawing in
moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean, leading to rainfall.
o Southwest Monsoon: Blows from June to September, bringing heavy rains.
o Retreating Monsoon: October-November, winds retreat and cause rainfall in some
coastal areas.
• Monsoon Onset and Withdrawal:
o The monsoon typically arrives in Kerala in early June and covers the country by
mid-July.
o Retreat of monsoon begins by early October, moving southwards.
5. Seasons in India
India experiences four main seasons:
1. Cold Weather Season (Winter) – December to February:
o Characterized by low temperatures, especially in the northern plains.
o Northeast Trade Winds dominate, leading to dry weather.
2. Hot Weather Season (Summer) – March to May:
o High temperatures, especially in northwestern India.
o Local storms like Loo (hot winds) are common.
3. Southwest Monsoon Season (Rainy Season) – June to September:
o Monsoon winds bring rainfall to most of India.
o Uneven distribution of rainfall, with areas like the Western Ghats receiving heavy
rain.
4. Retreating Monsoon Season (Autumn) – October to November:
o Winds retreat, bringing rain to the southeastern coast, especially Tamil Nadu.
6. Distribution of Rainfall
• Rainfall is unevenly distributed across India:
o High rainfall areas: Western Ghats, northeastern states, and Himalayan foothills
receive more than 200 cm annually.
o Low rainfall areas: Western Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana
receive less than 60 cm annually.
• Mawsynram in Meghalaya is the wettest place in the world.
7. The Impact of Monsoon on Life in India
• Agriculture: Monsoons are crucial for agriculture, with the majority of farmers depending on
rainfall for crops like rice, wheat, and pulses.
• Water Supply: Monsoon rains replenish rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, crucial for drinking
water and irrigation.
• Economic Activities: Economic activities such as agriculture, fishing, and hydropower
generation are heavily dependent on monsoon patterns.
8. Monsoon Variability and Its Effects
• The monsoon can be unpredictable, with variations leading to:
o Droughts in areas with insufficient rainfall.
o Floods in areas receiving excessive rainfall.
Monsoon variability impacts agriculture, water resources, and overall economic stability.
Monsoon as a Unifying Bond
• Monsoon impacts agriculture, seasonal cycles, festivals, and human and animal needs,
making it a unifying factor in Indian life.
