This is an academic exploration based on the Wikipedia article on the Climate of India. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

India's Climatic Tapestry

An academic exploration of India's diverse climate, covering its regional variations, seasonal patterns, historical influences, and meteorological extremes.

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The Climate of India

Diverse Climatic Zones

India's climate is characterized by remarkable diversity, encompassing a wide spectrum of conditions influenced by its vast geographical expanse and varied topography. Utilizing the Kรถppen climate classification system, India features numerous climatic subtypes, ranging from arid and semi-arid conditions in the west to sub-arctic, tundra, and ice cap climates in the elevated Himalayan regions of the north. Conversely, southern and eastern India predominantly exhibit tropical climate characteristics, supporting lush ecosystems.

Geographical Influences

The nation's climate is profoundly shaped by two major geographical features: the formidable Himalayas in the north and the expansive Thar Desert in the northwest. The Himalayas act as a critical barrier, preventing frigid katabatic winds from Central Asia from reaching the subcontinent, thereby maintaining warmer temperatures across much of North India during winter. Concurrently, the Thar Desert plays a pivotal role in attracting moisture-laden monsoon winds, which are the primary source of precipitation for the country.

Seasonal Framework

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) officially recognizes four distinct climatological seasons: Winter (December to February), Summer or Pre-monsoon (March to May), Monsoon or South-west Monsoon (June to September), and Post-monsoon or North-east Monsoon (October to November). Certain regions with subtropical, temperate, or continental climates may also experience transitional spring and autumn periods.

Regional Climate Variations

Tropical Climates

India hosts two primary tropical climate subtypes: tropical monsoon and tropical savanna. The tropical wet (monsoon) climate prevails along the southwestern Malabar Coast, the Western Ghats, and parts of Assam, characterized by high year-round temperatures and heavy seasonal rainfall, often exceeding 2,000 mm annually. The tropical savanna climate is more widespread, covering much of peninsular India, marked by distinct dry winters and hot summers, with rainfall typically ranging from 750 to 1,500 mm.

Arid and Semi-Arid Regions

Arid and semi-arid conditions dominate areas where evapotranspiration significantly exceeds precipitation. A hot semi-arid climate is prevalent across a substantial belt south of the Tropic of Cancer, east of the Western Ghats. This region, including parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, is prone to drought due to unreliable monsoon patterns. Western Rajasthan experiences a hot desert climate, receiving minimal, erratic rainfall, with extreme temperature fluctuations.

Mountain and Highland Climates

Northern India's Himalayan regions exhibit montane or alpine climates, varying significantly with altitude. From subtropical conditions in the foothills to tundra climates above the snow line, these areas experience sharp temperature contrasts, diurnal variability, and temperature inversions. The trans-Himalayan belt, particularly Ladakh, features a cold desert climate characterized by barren, arid, and frigid conditions.

Humid Subtropical Zones

Much of Northeast and North India fall under humid subtropical or subtropical highland climates. These regions experience warm to hot summers and winters where temperatures generally drop near or below freezing. Winter precipitation, often in the form of snow in higher altitudes, is associated with western disturbances. Summer rainfall is dominated by monsoon activity and occasional tropical cyclones.

Seasonal Dynamics

Winter (December - February)

Following the retreat of the monsoons, temperatures gradually decrease across India. The coldest months are December and January, with average temperatures ranging from 10โ€“15 ยฐC in the northwest to 20โ€“25 ยฐC in the southeast. The Indian Himalayas experience significant snowfall, with blizzards and extreme cold in higher elevations. Western disturbances bring rain and snow to northwestern India during this period.

Summer (March - May)

Summer months are characterized by rising temperatures as the sun's rays move towards the Tropic of Cancer. Western and southern regions experience their hottest weather in April, while North India peaks in May. Temperatures frequently exceed 40 ยฐC, with recorded highs reaching over 50 ยฐC in some areas. The 'Loo', a strong, hot, dry wind, is a notable feature, posing health risks. Pre-monsoon thunderstorms, sometimes accompanied by hail, are common in eastern India.

Monsoon (June - September)

The southwest summer monsoon is the dominant weather phenomenon, supplying over 80% of India's annual rainfall. Originating from the Indian Ocean, it arrives in two branches: the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch. This season is crucial for agriculture, with heavy rains supporting crop growth. However, erratic or excessive rainfall can lead to widespread floods and landslides, particularly in the Himalayas and along river basins.

Post-Monsoon (October - November)

This period marks a transition from wet to dry conditions. While the southwest monsoon begins its withdrawal, the northeast monsoon becomes active, particularly affecting Tamil Nadu and parts of Kerala with rainfall. Skies are generally clear in North India, with moderate temperatures. This season is crucial for the winter crop cycle in many regions.

Paleoclimate and Geological History

Ancient Climates

During the Triassic period, India, as part of the supercontinent Pangaea and later Gondwana, experienced a humid temperate climate despite its high-latitude position. Later, global cooling led to glaciation. The Mesozoic era was considerably warmer, with significant climate shifts occurring due to tectonic movements, volcanic activity (Deccan Traps), and atmospheric changes, impacting global insolation and leading to events like acid rain.

Himalayan Formation Impact

The collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate and the subsequent uplift of the Himalayas approximately 50 million years ago fundamentally altered India's climate. This massive mountain range acts as a barrier to cold continental air masses, moderating winter temperatures. It also influences the path of monsoon winds, contributing to the distinct wet and dry seasons experienced across the subcontinent.

Holocene and Recent Changes

In the Holocene epoch, regions now arid, like parts of the Thar Desert, were wetter, supporting perennial lakes, possibly due to increased winter precipitation. More recently, climate change, driven by anthropogenic factors, is projected to alter the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including droughts, heat waves, floods, and cyclones, impacting sea levels and coastal inundation.

Meteorological Data

Temperature Variations

India exhibits significant temperature variations across its diverse regions and seasons. From the frigid Himalayan altitudes to the scorching plains, temperatures are influenced by latitude, altitude, and proximity to the sea. The following table provides average minimum, average, and maximum temperatures for selected Indian cities across the four recognized seasons.

Average temperatures (ยฐC) across various Indian cities:

City Winter
(Dec โ€“ Feb)
Summer
(Mar โ€“ May)
Monsoon
(Jun โ€“ Sep)
Post-monsoon
(Oct โ€“ Nov)
Year-round
Avg
Min Avg Max Min Avg Max Min Avg Max Min Avg Max
New Delhi 71420 162836 283035 131926 25
Port Blair 232628 252729 252727 252628 27
Thiruvananthapuram 232629 242730 242628 232923 26
Bangalore 152228 212734 202428 192328 24
Nagpur 142128 243240 242730 162228 26
Bhopal 111724 233036 232628 162226 25
Guwahati 111724 192531 252832 172227 24
Kolkata 162227 243035 263033 222631 27
Lucknow 81421 233035 242933 152025 25
Siliguri 111724 192531 242731 182429 24
Jaisalmer 71423 243340 232935 121927 22
Dehradun 41220 142332 222630 71523 18
Amritsar 41018 132534 252832 101624 21
Shimla 159 101418 151820 71013 13
Srinagar โˆ’246 71419 162230 1816 13
Leh โˆ’13โˆ’60 โˆ’1612 101624 โˆ’707 6

Average max. and min. temperatures in ยฐC

Precipitation totals in mm

Source: Weatherbase, Plan Holidays

Precipitation Patterns

India's precipitation is predominantly governed by the monsoon cycle, with regional variations influenced by topography and proximity to water bodies. The following table details average monthly precipitation in millimeters for selected Indian cities, illustrating the seasonal distribution of rainfall.

Average precipitation (mm) in various Indian cities:

Average precipitation (mm) in various Indian cities
City Winter
(Jan โ€“ Feb)
Summer
(Mar โ€“ May)
Monsoon
(Jun โ€“ Sep)
Post-monsoon
(Oct โ€“ Dec)
Total
Year-round
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Delhi 1921171631 74210233124 1568 774
Port Blair 40201060360 480400400460 290220150 2,890
Thiruvananthapuram 262133125202 306175152179 22320665 1,713
Bangalore 312061110150 212249279315 291210140 1,962
Nagpur 162215818 168290291157 731719 1,094
Bhopal 431311 136279360185 52217 1,043
Guwahati 82147181226 309377227199 922510 1,722
Lucknow 20188820 114305292188 3358 1,019
Jaisalmer โ€“โ€“3โ€“7 10908815 โ€“6โ€“ 219
Dehradun 4755522154 230631627261 32113 2,024
Amritsar 2433483045 2723118779 18618 746
Shimla 6060605060 170420430160 301020 1,530
Srinagar 7471919461 36586138 311033 658
Leh 1291267 4162012 738 116

Average max. and min. temperatures in ยฐC

Precipitation totals in mm

Source: Weatherbase, Plan Holidays

Climate-Related Disasters

Floods and Landslides

Floods represent the most frequent natural disaster in India, primarily driven by the heavy southwest monsoon rains that cause rivers like the Brahmaputra to overflow. These events can displace millions and cause significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture. Landslides are common in the Himalayas due to the region's geological instability and are exacerbated by deforestation and intense rainfall events. Avalanches also occur in the northern mountainous states.

Tropical Cyclones

The Bay of Bengal is a region prone to intense tropical cyclogenesis, particularly between May and November. Cyclones bring destructive storm surges, high winds, and torrential rains, frequently impacting India's eastern coastal states like West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. While less frequent, cyclones can also affect India's western coast, primarily Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Droughts and Heat Waves

India's agricultural sector's heavy reliance on the monsoon makes it vulnerable to droughts caused by weak or failed monsoon seasons. These events can lead to severe water shortages and crop failures, historically resulting in devastating famines. Heat waves have also increased in frequency and intensity, posing significant public health risks, with recorded temperatures exceeding 50 ยฐC in some regions.

Meteorological Extremes

Extreme Low Temperatures

The lowest recorded temperature in India was -45.0 ยฐC in Dras, Ladakh. However, temperatures on the Siachen Glacier have fallen below -55 ยฐC, accompanied by blizzards with wind speeds exceeding 250 km/h, contributing to significant casualties among soldiers due to environmental conditions rather than combat.

Extreme High Temperatures

The highest temperature officially recorded in India was 51.0 ยฐC (124 ยฐF) in Phalodi, Rajasthan, on May 16, 2016. Higher, though unverified, temperatures have been reported in the Jaisalmer district. Heat waves are becoming more frequent and severe, impacting public health and daily life across the country.

Extreme Rainfall

Mawsynram in Meghalaya, situated near Cherrapunji, receives the highest average annual rainfall in Asia, potentially globally, with figures around 11,861 mm. Cherrapunji officially holds the record for the wettest place due to meteorological station proximity. India's highest recorded one-day rainfall was 944 mm in Mumbai on July 26, 2005, leading to severe flooding.

Extreme Snowfall

Regions in Jammu and Kashmir, such as the Pir Panjal Range, experience exceptionally heavy snowfall. Kashmir recorded its highest monthly snowfall in February 1967 at 8.4 meters. Higher elevations in the Himalayas are subject to perpetual snow and severe blizzards, significantly impacting local life and activities.

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References

References

  1.  IMD-designated post-monsoon season coincides with the northeast monsoon, the effects of which are significant only in some parts of India.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Climate of India Wikipedia page

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