Introduction to India’s Climate Variations

India’s climate varies widely, from the arid Thar Desert to the rain-soaked hills of Meghalaya. These regional differences, driven by geography and monsoon patterns, shape lifestyles, architecture, and agriculture. This article explores how India’s climate variations influence its diverse regions.

Factors Driving Regional Variations

India’s climate is influenced by six key factors:

• Latitude: The Tropic of Cancer splits India into tropical and subtropical zones.
• Altitude: High altitudes like Leh (3,506 m) are colder, while coastal areas are warmer.
• Pressure and Winds: Monsoon winds and cyclonic disturbances drive rainfall patterns.
• Distance from the Sea: Inland areas like Rajasthan face extreme temperatures.
• Ocean Currents: Warm currents moderate coastal climates.
• Relief Features: The Western Ghats and Himalayas influence rainfall distribution.

Regional Climate Patterns

Timeline of Climate Influences

Impact on Architecture and Lifestyle

Climate shapes regional architecture:

• Rajasthan: Thick walls and flat roofs insulate against extreme heat and cold.
• Goa and Mangalore: Sloping roofs allow heavy monsoon rains to drain.
• Assam: Houses on stilts protect against monsoon floods.

Why Some Regions Are Drought-Prone

Regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the leeward side of the Western Ghats receive low rainfall due to their position in rain shadow areas or distance from moisture sources, making them prone to droughts.

FAQs

Why does Rajasthan receive low rainfall?

Rajasthan’s low rainfall is due to its location in the rain shadow of the Aravalli Range.

Why does Tamil Nadu receive winter rainfall?

Northeast monsoon winds bring moisture to Tamil Nadu’s coast in October–November.

Why is Shillong rainier than Kolkata?

Shillong’s high altitude and position in the Khasi Hills trap monsoon winds, causing heavier rainfall.

Why does Chennai have less monsoon rain?

Chennai lies in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats, receiving less southwest monsoon rain but more from the northeast monsoon.

Why does Jodhpur’s climate extreme?

Jodhpur’s arid conditions and distance from the sea cause high diurnal temperature ranges and low rainfall.

Why does Leh experience extreme cold?

Leh’s high altitude (3,506 m) and rain shadow location result in extreme cold, with temperatures dropping to -45°C in winter.

What role do the Western Ghats play in India’s climate variations?

The Western Ghats cause heavy rainfall on their windward side and create a rain shadow on the leeward side.

Why does Bengaluru have a moderate climate?

Bengaluru’s high altitude (920 m) keeps temperatures moderate, between 20–30°C year-round.

How does distance from the sea affect India’s climate variations?

Inland areas like Rajasthan experience extreme temperatures, while coastal areas like Mumbai have milder climates.

What are the effects of tropical cyclones on India’s eastern coast?

Tropical cyclones bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to India’s eastern coast, particularly Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

Why does the Coriolis force influence India’s climate variations?

The Coriolis force deflects monsoon winds, shaping rainfall distribution across India’s regions.

Why is the climate in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands humid?

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a humid climate due to their proximity to the sea and monsoon winds.

How do ocean currents affect India’s coastal climate?

Warm ocean currents moderate temperatures along India’s coast, reducing extremes in places like Chennai.

Why does rainfall decrease from east to west in the Northern Plains?

Rainfall decreases as monsoon winds lose moisture moving westward from the Bay of Bengal.

What is the impact of the Aravalli Range on Rajasthan’s climate?

The Aravalli Range blocks monsoon winds, creating a rain shadow in Rajasthan, resulting in arid conditions.