Climate of India

Climate of India

The Climate of India is dominated by the Monsoon regime, but varies from tropical monsoon in the south to temperate in the north. The country's climate is strongly influenced by the Himalayas and the Thar Desert.

Geographical Influences

The Himalayas, a major geographical feature of India, play a key role in the country's climate. They act as a barrier to the cold Central Asian winds, keeping the Indian subcontinent warmer than most regions at similar latitudes. The Thar Desert attracts the moisture-laden southwest summer monsoon winds, which provide the majority of India's rainfall.

Monsoons

The Monsoon is the most prominent feature of the Indian climate. The Southwest monsoon, occurring from June to September, is the main rainy season. The Northeast monsoon, from October to November, affects the southeast coastal states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Karnataka.

Seasons

India experiences three major seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. The summer season, from March to June, is characterized by high temperatures. The monsoon season follows the summer, bringing heavy rainfall. The winter season, from November to February, is mild and dry.

Regional Variations

The climate in India varies significantly across different parts of the country. The coastal regions experience relatively small temperature variations, while the interior regions have a more extreme climate. The Thar Desert has a hot desert climate, and the Himalayan region has a cold alpine climate.

Climate Change

Climate change in India is causing a rise in average temperatures and erratic monsoons. This has implications for India's agriculture, water resources, and health sectors.

See Also

• Geography of India
• Environment of India
• Flora and fauna of India