Climate of India, Types, Zones, Map, Factors Affecting Climate of India

Climate of India

India has a “monsoon” climate, common in South and Southeast Asia. The term “monsoon” comes from the Arabic word “mausim,” meaning seasons. Arab sailors used it to describe seasonal wind patterns along the Indian Ocean, where winds blow from the southwest in summer and from the northeast in winter. Essentially, monsoons are winds that change direction every six months.

Despite having a monsoon climate, India shows significant regional weather differences.

• Temperature Variations: In June, Churu (Rajasthan) can exceed 50°C, while Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) may only reach 19°C. Drass (Ladakh) can drop to -45°C, whereas Thiruvananthapuram and Chennai might be around 20°C or 22°C.
• Precipitation Differences: While much of India experiences rain, the Himalayas receive snow. For example, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) gets less than 9 cm of rain, while Cherrapunji and Mawsynram receive over 1080 cm annually.

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Factors Affecting Climate of India

Here is the List of Factors Affecting Climate of India:

Latitude

India’s central region runs east to west along the Tropic of Cancer. The northern part of India is in the subtropical and temperate zones, while the southern part is in the tropical zone. The tropical zone is warm all year, with little change in temperature from day to day or year to year because it is close to the equator. In contrast, the area north of the Tropic of Cancer has a harsher climate, with a wide range of temperatures throughout the day and year due to being farther from the equator.

The Himalayan Mountains

The Himalayas and their northern extensions serve as a functional climate barrier. The imposing mountain range functions as an unbreakable barrier, shielding the subcontinent from the icy northern winds. These frigid winds, which originate close to the Arctic Circle, spread across central and eastern Asia. The monsoon winds are also trapped by the Himalayas, which forces them to spread their moisture throughout the Indian subcontinent.

Distribution of Land and Water

India is encircled by the Indian Ocean on three sides, a tall, continuous mountain wall in the north, and the Indian Ocean on one side. Compared to the landmass, the ocean warms and cools more gradually. This seasonal variation in air pressure is caused by the differential heating of the land and the water in and around the Indian subcontinent. Because of the difference in air pressure, the monsoon winds’ direction is reversed.

Distance from the Sea

Coastal areas of India have a temperate climate because of their long coastlines. In contrast, inland regions, far from the sea, experience more extreme weather. For example, people in Mumbai and along the Konkan coast do not notice strong seasonal changes or temperature extremes. However, in the heartland, including Delhi, Kanpur, and Amritsar, seasonal variations affect many aspects of daily life.

Altitude

As you go higher up, the temperature gets colder. Because the air is thinner, highland areas are usually cooler than flat areas. For example, even though Agra and Darjeeling are at the same latitude, Agra’s temperature in January is 16°C, while Darjeeling’s is only 4°C.

Relief

The physiographic or relief features of India have an impact on temperature, air pressure, wind speed and direction, as well as the amount and distribution of rainfall. The southern plateau stays dry because of its leeward location along the Western Ghats during the months of June through September, in contrast to the windward portions of the Western Ghats and Assam.

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Climate of India Types

1. The cold weather season, Winter season
2. The hot weather season, Summer season
3. The south-west monsoon season/Rainy season
4. The retreating monsoon season

The Cold Weather Season (winter)

• Northern India experiences cold temperatures from mid-November to February.
• December and January are the coldest months in this region.
• Temperatures generally drop from south to north during winter.
• Days are pleasant, but nights can be chilly, with frost common and snowfall on the Himalayas.
• The peninsular region has no distinct cold season due to the nearby sea and its proximity to the equator.
• Coastal areas see little seasonal variation in temperature.

The Hot Weather Season

• In March, the sun moves north toward the Tropic of Cancer, causing temperatures in north India to rise.
• The summer months in north India are April, May, and June.
• The Deccan plateau reaches about 38°C in March, while Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh see around 42°C in April.
• In the northwest, May temperatures often hit 45°C.
• Peninsular India stays cooler, with temperatures between 20°C and 32°C, thanks to the nearby oceans.
• The Western Ghats are even cooler, with temperatures below 25°C due to their height.

South-West Monsoon Season/Rainy Season

• As temperatures rise, low pressure over the northwest plains becomes stronger.
• In early June, this low pressure draws in trade winds from the Indian Ocean.
• The southeast trade winds then change direction to southwest as they reach the equator, becoming the southwest monsoons.
• These winds head toward the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, picking up moisture from warm equatorial currents.

Retreating Monsoon Season

• The monsoon trough over the northern plains weakens in October and November as the sun moves south.
• A high-pressure system takes its place during this time.
• The south-west monsoon winds start to fade away.
• By early October, the monsoon has left the northern plains.
• October and November are a transition from the hot, wet season to the dry winter season.

Monsoon in India

Climate Zones in India

India has a wide range of climates, from tropical in the south to temperate and alpine in the northern Himalayas. In higher areas, it snows in winter. The country mainly experiences tropical monsoon weather. These different climates are due to its vast size and varying latitudes. India’s climate can be divided into five main regions, or “climate zones,” which are:

• Tropical rainy climatic zone
• Humid subtropical climatic zone
• Tropical Savanna climatic zone
• Mountain climatic zone
• Desert climatic zone

Unemployment Rate in India

Factors Related to Air Pressure and Wind

To understand local climate variations in India, it’s important to look at:

• The distribution of winds and air pressure across the Earth.
• Upper air circulation affected by global climate factors and different air masses.
• The arrival of tropical depressions and western cyclones during the southwest monsoon, which boosts rainfall.

By examining these factors during winter and summer, we can see how they work together. Air pressure is the weight of air, made up of various gases, and is measured in millibars. Wind is the movement of air caused by differences in air density and pressure. This movement creates atmospheric circulation, which affects and is affected by these pressure systems.

Important Dams in India

Impact of Global Warming on Indian Climate

Temperature increase in the atmosphere

• As a result of human activity, greenhouse gases are being released into the atmosphere, raising Earth’s temperature.
• The last six years have been the hottest on record.
• The current rise in heat-related illnesses and mortality, the rise in sea levels, and the intensity of natural disasters are all mostly due to climate change.
• The average temperature of the Earth rose by 1°F throughout the 20th century. This is thought to be the fastest increase in a millennium.
• According to research projections, the average surface temperature could rise by 3-5°F by the end of this century if GHGs are not lowered.

Change in landscapes:

• As temperatures rose and weather patterns changed around the world, trees and plants migrated to the highlands and Polar Regions.
• The animals that depend on the vegetation will be compelled to follow it as it attempts to adapt to climate change by shifting to colder locations in order to survive. While some people succeed, many others fail.
• Because of the melting of the ice, other animals that depend on frigid climates, like polar bears, would lose their habitat, endangering their ability to survive.
• Thus, many species, including the human population, are at serious risk of extinction due to the current fast change in the landscape..

A risk to the ecosystem:

• As temperatures rise around the world, weather and vegetation patterns change, forcing certain species to move to colder regions in order to survive.
• Many species are at risk of extinction as a result of this. If the current trend continues, it is predicted that by 2050 one-fourth of Earth’s species may go extinct..

Rising sea levels:

• Thermal expansion causes the sea level to rise when the Earth’s temperature rises (a condition wherein the warm water takes up more area than cooler water). This issue is exacerbated by glacial melt.
• The population residing in low-lying areas, on islands, and along the coasts is in danger from rising sea levels.
• It destroys habitats like mangroves and wetlands that shield coasts from storms, erodes shorelines, and causes property damage.
• The sea level has risen 4 to 8 inches during the past 100 years, and it will continue to climb between 4 and 36 inches over the following 100 years.

Ocean Acidification:

• The ocean is absorbing more CO2 as a result of the atmosphere’s rising CO2 concentration. As a result, the ocean is acidic.
• Plankton, molluscs, and other marine creatures, among others, may suffer harm as a result of the ocean’s increased acidity. Corals are particularly vulnerable to this because they struggle to build and maintain the skeletal structures necessary for their survival..

Increase in the risk of natural and manmade disasters:

• High temperatures are causing moisture from land and water to evaporate quickly, leading to drought.
• Drought-prone areas are more vulnerable to severe flooding.
• Droughts may become more frequent and intense, impacting agriculture, water security, and public health.
• Countries in Asia and Africa are already facing worsening drought conditions.
• Rising temperatures are leading to more forest fires and droughts worldwide.
• Climate change is making hurricanes and tropical storms more frequent and intense, influenced by warmer ocean temperatures and rising sea levels.

Health issues:

• High temperatures worldwide can lead to health issues and fatalities.
• Rising heat waves from climate change have caused many deaths globally.
• For example, in 2003, India had over 1,500 heat-related deaths, and Europe lost more than 20,000 people.
• Climate change allows disease-carrying insects and bacteria to survive longer, increasing the spread of infectious diseases.
• Cooler areas, once inhospitable, may now host diseases and pests that were previously limited to warmer regions.
• The World Health Organization predicts that between 2030 and 2050, climate change could cause an extra 250,000 deaths per year from starvation, malaria, diarrhea, and extreme heat.

Economic impacts:

• If we do not act to reduce carbon emissions, climate change could cost the world between 5% and 20% of its yearly GDP. In comparison, it would only take 1% of GDP to prevent the worst effects of climate change.
• Climate change may alter coastal habitats, requiring the relocation of ports and infrastructure, which could cost millions. More frequent hurricanes and natural disasters can lead to significant damage to property and infrastructure.
• Prolonged droughts and high heat could cause crop yields to drop, potentially leaving thousands hungry. Coral reefs, which generate over $375 billion annually in products and services, are also at risk.

Agriculture productivity and food security:

• Precipitation, a good temperature, and sun radiation are all necessary for crop cultivation.
• Consequently, climate patterns have always influenced agriculture. The current climate change has impacted agricultural production, food supply, and food security.
• These outcomes have a biophysical, ecological, and financial impact.
• They resulted in:
  • A change in the agricultural production pattern is caused by the increased atmospheric temperature. Climate and agricultural zones are moving towards the poles.
  • The rise in atmospheric CO2 has led to a boost in agricultural productivity.
  • Precipitation patterns that are unpredictable
  • The vulnerability of the impoverished and landless has grown.

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