Climate of India, Characteristics, Seasons, Climate Change

The climate of India is best described as monsoonal, where seasonal winds bring dramatic shifts between wet and dry periods. This unique climate influences agriculture, water resources, cultural practices, and even the economy. Due to its vast geography, India experiences everything from scorching deserts and heavy monsoon rains to snowy Himalayan winters and humid coastal conditions.

Characteristics of India’s Climate

The climate of India is not uniform, it is shaped by the rhythm of the monsoon and geographical diversity. Some of the key features are:

• Monsoonal Nature: The climate of India is controlled by monsoon winds, which bring heavy rainfall during the southwest monsoon season and dry conditions during winter.
• Diverse Weather: Different parts of the country experience contrasting weather conditions at the same time. For example, while Kerala may receive heavy rains, Rajasthan may face drought-like conditions.
• Seasonal Variations: Climate of India is not uniform throughout the year but changes distinctly with each season.
• Regional Contrast: Coastal regions remain humid and moderate, while interiors like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan experience extremes of heat and cold.

Seasons of India

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) divides the year into four main climatic seasons. Each season is marked by distinct weather patterns, temperature ranges, and rainfall distribution.

(a) Winter (December – February)

• Temperatures drop significantly in northern India, especially in the Indo-Gangetic plains. Night temperatures often fall below 5°C in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Western disturbances from the Mediterranean region bring occasional winter rainfall and snowfall in the northwestern states like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
• Southern India, being closer to the equator, experiences mild winters with average temperatures around 20-25°C.

(b) Summer / Pre-Monsoon (March – June)

• This is the hottest season of the year, particularly in central and northwestern India. Temperatures often cross 45°C in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Uttar Pradesh.
• Hot, dry winds called loo blow across the northern plains, making life difficult.
• Thunderstorms and dust storms are common in northern and eastern India during May and June.
• The peninsular plateau and coastal regions remain relatively less hot due to the moderating effect of the sea.

(c) Southwest Monsoon (June – September)

• This is the most significant season for India, contributing nearly 75% of the annual rainfall.
• Monsoon winds blow from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, bringing widespread rains.
• The Western Ghats and Northeastern states receive the heaviest rainfall due to orographic effect.
• Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat, and Ladakh remain relatively dry even during this season.
• Agriculture heavily depends on this rainfall, making it the lifeline of Indian farmers.

(d) Retreating / Post-Monsoon Season (October – December)

• The monsoon winds withdraw gradually, and the weather becomes clear and pleasant in most parts of India.
• Rainfall shifts toward the southeastern coast, especially Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh, due to the northeast monsoon.
• This is also the season of tropical cyclones, which frequently affect the eastern coast of India.

Traditional Six Seasons (Ritus) in Indian Culture

Indian culture has traditionally divided the year into six Ritus (seasons), each lasting two months. This classification is deeply connected to agriculture, festivals, and lifestyle.

1. Vasanta Ritu (Spring): March to April, pleasant weather with blooming flowers.
2. Grishma Ritu (Summer):  May to June, intense heat and dry conditions.
3. Varsha Ritu (Monsoon): July to August, heavy rains and agricultural activities.
4. Sharada Ritu (Autumn): September to October, clear skies and retreating monsoon.
5. Hemanta Ritu (Pre-Winter): November to December, mild cold conditions.
6. Shishira Ritu (Winter): January to February, coldest months of the year.

Factors Influencing the Climate of India

The climate of India is shaped by multiple geographical and atmospheric factors:

• Latitude: The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of India, dividing it into tropical and subtropical zones.
• Himalayas: These mountains block cold Central Asian winds, ensuring relatively warmer winters in northern India compared to Central Asia.
• Altitude: Higher elevations like Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh experience cold climates, while plains remain warmer.
• Distance from the Sea: Coastal cities like Mumbai and Chennai have moderate climates, while inland cities like Delhi and Nagpur face extremes.
• Relief Features: The Western Ghats receive heavy rainfall due to moist winds, while the Deccan Plateau lies in the rain shadow region with moderate rains.
• Monsoon Winds: The seasonal reversal of winds brings distinct wet and dry periods.
• Cyclones and Disturbances: Tropical cyclones and western disturbances significantly impact rainfall patterns.

Regional Variations in Climate of India

Climate of India shows remarkable regional contrasts:

• Northwest India: Hot summers, cold winters, and very little rainfall. Rajasthan often faces drought-like conditions.
• Northeast India: Extremely high rainfall, with Mawsynram and Cherrapunji being the wettest places on Earth.
• Himalayan Region: Long, harsh winters with heavy snowfall. Temperatures often remain below freezing.
• Coastal Areas: Moderate climate with high humidity, suitable for crops like rice and coconut.
• Deccan Plateau: Experiences moderate rainfall and relatively high summer temperatures.

Climate Change and Emerging Challenges

In recent years, Climate of India has shown worrying signs of change. Some of the emerging challenges are:

• Heatwaves: Increasing in frequency and intensity, particularly in northern and central India. Temperatures often rise above 48°C.
• Erratic Monsoon: The timing and intensity of monsoon rains have become unpredictable, affecting agriculture.
• Floods and Droughts: States like Assam and Bihar frequently face floods, while Rajasthan and Maharashtra often struggle with droughts.
• Cyclones: More intense cyclones have been observed in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
• Impact on Agriculture: Shifts in rainfall patterns directly affect food security and rural livelihoods.

Importance of Climate in India

The climate of India holds immense significance for multiple aspects of life:

• Agriculture: Nearly 60% of India’s farmland depends on monsoon rains.
• Economy: Water availability, power generation, and industry are linked to seasonal rainfall.
• Culture & Festivals: Many Indian festivals, like Pongal, Baisakhi, and Onam, are tied to seasonal cycles.
• Biodiversity: Different climatic regions support rich flora and fauna, from tropical forests to alpine meadows.