Seasons in India

Seasons-in-india

India experiences four distinct seasons due to its vast geographical diversity and its location in the tropical and subtropical regions. These seasons are defined by climatic conditions influenced by the Indian monsoon system. The primary classification is based on the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).


1. Winter (January to February)

  • Characteristics:
    • Cold weather conditions, especially in northern India.
    • Clear skies, low temperatures, and dry air.
    • Average temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C in northern plains; lower in Himalayan regions (often below freezing).
  • Influence of Western Disturbances:
    • Western disturbances (cyclonic storms originating from the Mediterranean Sea) bring rainfall to the northwestern plains and snowfall in the Himalayas.
  • Key Crops:
    • Rabi crops (e.g., wheat, barley, mustard) are sown and depend on winter rainfall.
  • Regional Variations:
    • Southern India experiences milder winters compared to the north due to its proximity to the equator.

2. Summer (March to May)

  • Characteristics:
    • High temperatures across most parts of India, with the northern plains often exceeding 40°C.
    • Low humidity and dry conditions in many areas.
    • Coastal regions experience moderate temperatures due to the maritime influence.
  • Heatwaves:
    • North Indian states experience ‘Loo’ (hot, dry winds).
  • Pre-Monsoon Activities:
    • Dust storms, thunderstorms, and lightning occur due to heating, especially in north and central India.
    • The phenomenon of ‘Kalbaisakhi’ (violent storms) occurs in West Bengal and northeastern states.

3. Monsoon (June to September)

  • Southwest Monsoon:
    • Onset: Early June (usually hits the Kerala coast first).
    • Covers the entire country by mid-July.
    • Brings 75-90% of India’s annual rainfall, crucial for agriculture.
  • Characteristics:
    • Torrential rains and high humidity.
    • Rainfall distribution varies—Western Ghats, Northeastern states, and the Himalayan foothills receive the heaviest rains.
  • Breaks in Monsoon:
    • Periods of reduced rainfall due to shifts in monsoon trough or cyclonic activity.
  • Impact:
    • Revival of rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
    • Supports Kharif crops (e.g., rice, maize, millets, pulses).
    • Floods in low-lying areas and landslides in hilly regions are common.

4. Post-Monsoon/Autumn (October to December)

  • Characteristics:
    • Transition season marked by the retreat of the monsoon.
    • Clear skies, moderate temperatures, and decrease in humidity.
  • Retreating Monsoon:
    • Winds withdraw from northwestern India by October and gradually from other regions.
  • Northeast Monsoon:
    • Significant rainfall in southeastern India, particularly Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
    • Caused by moist winds from the Bay of Bengal.
  • Key Crops:
    • Harvesting of Kharif crops and sowing of Rabi crops begins.

Geographical and Climatic Influences

  1. Himalayas:
    • Acts as a barrier, preventing the cold Siberian winds from entering India, thereby moderating winters.
  2. Indian Ocean:
    • Influences monsoons through differential heating of land and water.
  3. Western Ghats:
    • Causes orographic rainfall on the windward side and dry conditions on the leeward side (rain shadow region).

Key Terms and Concepts for UPSC

  1. Monsoon Mechanism:
    • Differential heating and cooling of land and water.
    • Role of ITCZ (Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone) and trade winds.
    • Importance of El Niño, La Niña, and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) on monsoon variability.
  2. Agricultural Dependency:
    • Rain-fed agriculture depends heavily on monsoon performance.
  3. Extreme Weather Events:
    • Droughts, floods, and cyclones during monsoon seasons.

Understanding the seasons of India and their impact on agriculture, economy, and society is crucial for both Prelims (objective) and Mains (descriptive answers) in UPSC preparation.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *