Climate of India – Notes for Competitive Exams
🌏 1. Factors Affecting Indian Climate (Climatic Controls)
| Factor | Role |
|---|---|
| Latitude | Tropic of Cancer (23½° N) divides India nearly in two halves – Tropical & Subtropical zones. |
| Altitude | Himalayas block cold winds from Central Asia, keeping India warmer in winter. |
| Pressure & Winds | South-west & North-east monsoons play a major role. |
| Distance from Sea | Coastal areas (moderate climate), Interior areas (extreme climate). |
| Relief features | Mountains, valleys, plateaus affect rainfall patterns. |
🌦️ 2. Major Seasons in India (as per Indian Meteorological Department)
| Season | Duration | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Weather Season | Jan–Feb | North India: Cold, Dry. South India: Mild. Clear skies. |
| Pre-Monsoon (Hot Weather) | Mar–May | High temp, Heat waves (e.g. "Loo"), Thunderstorms (Nor’westers in Bengal-Assam). |
| South-West Monsoon | Jun–Sept | 75% of rainfall. Two branches: Arabian Sea & Bay of Bengal. Onset: Kerala (June 1). |
| Retreating Monsoon | Oct–Dec | Winds reverse. Rain in Tamil Nadu (N.E. Monsoon). Cyclones in Bay of Bengal. |
🗺️ 3. Rainfall Pattern
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Western Coast & NE India: Highest rainfall (over 200 cm)
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Rajasthan, Ladakh: Lowest (less than 25 cm)
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Mawsynram (Meghalaya): Highest rainfall in world (~11,872 mm)
🌐 4. Types of Climate in India
India has Tropical Monsoon Climate (as per Köppen classification):
| Region | Type |
|---|---|
| Most of India | Tropical Monsoon |
| Western Rajasthan, Ladakh | Arid (Desert) |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Mountain/Alpine |
| Tamil Nadu coast | Tropical Wet & Dry |
🌀 5. Monsoon Winds in Detail
🔸 South-West Monsoon
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Time: June to Sept
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Brings bulk of rainfall
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Arabian Sea Branch → Western Ghats
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Bay of Bengal Branch → NE India (Mawsynram, Shillong)
🔸 North-East Monsoon
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Time: Oct to Dec
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Affects Tamil Nadu, SE Coast
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Winds reverse direction
🌪️ 6. Tropical Cyclones
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Mainly occur during Post-Monsoon (Oct–Dec)
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Bay of Bengal – More prone than Arabian Sea
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Affect: Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
🔥 7. Local Winds
| Wind | Region | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Loo | Northern plains | Hot, dry summer wind |
| Kalbaisakhi | Bengal & Assam | Summer thunderstorms |
| Mango Showers | Kerala | Help in mango ripening |
📚 Previous Year MCQs – Indian Climate (JKSSB/SSC/UPSC)
Q1. The highest rainfall in India occurs in:
a) Chirapunji
b) Agumbe
c) Mawsynram
d) Itanagar
✅ Ans: c) Mawsynram
Q2. Which is the rainiest month in India?
a) June
b) July
c) August
d) September
✅ Ans: b) July
Q3. Which Indian state receives rainfall from northeast monsoon?
a) Gujarat
b) Punjab
c) Tamil Nadu
d) Assam
✅ Ans: c) Tamil Nadu
Q4. The 'Loo' is:
a) A cold wind
b) A rain-bearing wind
c) A hot, dry wind in North India
d) A local cyclone
✅ Ans: c) A hot, dry wind in North India
Q5. When does the southwest monsoon reach Kerala?
a) 15 May
b) 1 June
c) 15 June
d) 1 July
✅ Ans: b) 1 June
📝 Important One-Liners for Quick Revision
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Mawsynram: Highest rainfall in the world
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Monsoon: Derived from Arabic word ‘Mausim’ meaning ‘season’
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Tamil Nadu: Receives rain from Northeast Monsoon
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Tropic of Cancer passes through 8 Indian states
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Western Rajasthan & Ladakh: Arid Climate
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IMD (Indian Meteorological Department): Established in 1875
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Average annual rainfall in India: ~118 cm
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What is Monsoon?
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The term Monsoon is derived from the Arabic word ‘Mausim’ meaning season.
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It refers to seasonal reversal of winds, bringing significant rainfall.
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India’s monsoon is tropical monsoon type, influencing agriculture, economy, and lifestyle.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Tropical Monsoon |
| Nature | Seasonal reversal of winds |
| Onset | Early June (Kerala) |
| Withdrawal | Mid-September to December |
| Total rainfall | ~75% of India’s annual rainfall due to monsoon |
| Main Rain-bearing Winds | South-West Monsoon |
| Uneven Distribution | Causes floods and droughts |
Important Points
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Mawsynram (Meghalaya): Highest rainfall in India & world (~11,872 mm)
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Jaisalmer (Rajasthan): Lowest rainfall in India (~8.3 cm annually)
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75% of total rainfall comes from South-West Monsoon (June–Sept)
| Region | Average Rainfall |
|---|---|
| Western Coast & Northeast (e.g., Mawsynram) | 200–1000+ cm |
| Northern Plains (UP, Bihar, Punjab) | 75–150 cm |
| Central India (M.P., Chhattisgarh) | 100–150 cm |
| Deccan Plateau | 60–100 cm |
| Rajasthan, Gujarat (desert areas) | Below 50 cm |
Ladakh & Cold Desert below 10cmQuick Revision Points
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