Climate Information of India
India witnesses tropical monsoon weather because of its unique placement between the Asian continent and the Indian Ocean. The climate here mostly has wet and dry seasons. However, some places like Ladakh and the Thar Desert don’t have a wet season at all. The rain varies much across the country, For example, Meghalaya brings a lot of rain whereas Jaisalmer brings very little. The Ganges plains and seaside areas usually welcome rain in July and August, while the Coromandel area remains dry in these months. Places like Goa, Patna, and Hyderabad, along with some parts of the Northwest, get rain in June and July.
In India, temperatures can vary widely. The Thar Desert has the highest day-to-night temperature differences and the Himalayas experience the most amazing range of temperatures over the year. Seaside areas typically have more favorable temperatures throughout the year. Summers in India are hot, with winters being relatively cold. In difference, the Himalayas have extremely cold winters and moderately warm summers.
Factors That Impact Indian Climate
Let’s explore in detail various factors that affect the Indian Climate
- Himalayan Ranges: The Himalayan mountain range acts as a natural wall between India and Central Asia. It covers India from the cold, dry winds arriving from Central Asia and even stops powerful monsoon winds. Without the Himalayas, these monsoon winds might move towards China which can potentially shift northern India into a desert.
- Location: India’s tropical weather is because of its area between 8°N and 37°N latitude. The regions south of the Tropic of Cancer acquire more natural daylight and more increased solar energy, while the northern regions get less.
- Sea Regions: Seaside regions of India have a milder environment compared to the internal parts which frequently face more intense weather. The monsoon winds bring considerable rainfall to these spots.
- Monsoon Winds: Monsoon winds play an important role in India’s climate. They can arrive suddenly and progress during multiple seasons.
- Air circulation: Air circulation is impacted by jet streams that also impact India’s climate. The western and eastern jet streams greatly influence the country’s climate routine.
The Four Seasons of India
India experiences different seasons with prominent changes across the year. During summer which is generally March to June, the temperatures can rise to 40°C or higher in some parts. In the northeastern and eastern regions, pre-monsoon winds are expected. On the other hand, the northwest plains experience hot and dry winds.
The monsoon season between July to September carries most of the country’s yearly rainfall. In autumn which lies from October to December, one can see the weather transitions to more relaxed temperatures and lower humidity as the country goes towards winter.
Winter that involves January and February sees temperatures varying from 10°C to 15°C in the northwest and from 20°C to 25°C in the southeast. The mountainous areas encounter serious snowfall in these months. The temperature drops well below freezing.
Climate Change in India
In 2019, India was ranked seventh among nations most impacted by climate change. India delivers about 3 gigatonnes of CO2-equivalent greenhouse gases every year. Despite holding 17% of the world’s population, India contributes to 7% of global emissions. In 2021, India’s climate change performance index was ranked eighth out of 63 countries responsible for 92% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Rising temperatures on the Tibetan Plateau are forcing Himalayan glaciers to shrink which risks the flow of significant rivers like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Yamuna. A 2007 statement by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) also indicated that the Indus River could run dry due to these shifts. Additionally, Assam is predicted to face more regular and severe landslides and floods.
Immerse Yourself in the Indian Climate
India’s climate is shaped by its diverse terrain and exceptional location. India encounters a range of climatic conditions. Climate change lays down substantial challenges for India, affecting its climate routines, water resources, and overall environmental stability. This needs to be addressed by individuals as well as the government to protect the environment from various climatic threats.
