CLIMATE
Meaning of Climate and Weather
Climate refers to the sum total of weather conditions and
variations over a large area for a long period of time (more than
30 years).
Weather is the state of the atmosphere at any point of time over
a short area.
Elements of both weather and climate: Temperature,
Atmospheric Pressure, Wind, Humidity & Precipitation
Weather fluctuates daily, but a common pattern over weeks or months divides the year into
seasons such as winter, summer and rainy season.
Climate of India
India has a monsoon type of climate.
Found mainly in South and Southeast Asia.
Though the general pattern is similar across India, there are regional
variations in temperature and rainfall.
Examples of Variation
Temperature in summer may touch 50°C in Rajasthan desert, but be
only 20°C in Pahalgam.
In winter, Drass (J&K) may reach –45°C, while
Thiruvananthapuram remains around 22°C.
Thar Desert: Day 50°C, night 15°C → Large diurnal temperature
range
Andaman & Nicobar and Kerala → Little difference between day &
night temperature
Rainfall Variation
Over 400 cm in Meghalaya (e.g., Mawsynram – world’s highest
average rainfall)
Less than 10 cm in Ladakh & western Rajasthan
Most rainfall: June–September, except Tamil Nadu coast – rain in
October–November
, Climatic Controls
Six major controls:
1. Latitude
2. Altitude
3. Pressure & wind system
4. Distance from the sea (continentality)
5. Ocean currents
6. Relief
Short explanation
Due to curvature of the Earth, temperature decreases from equator
to poles.
Temperature decreases with altitude → hills cooler.
Pressure & wind system influences temperature and rainfall.
Coastal areas have moderate climate; interiors experience extremes →
continentality
Ocean currents with winds affect temperature of coastal areas.
Mountains act as climatic barriers, cause precipitation on
windward side and dry condition on leeward side.
Factors Affecting India's Climate
1. Latitude
Tropic of Cancer divides India into tropical (south) & sub-tropical
(north) regions.
2. Altitude
Himalayan average height 6000 m → blocks cold winds from Central
Asia → milder winters in India.
Coastal plains about 30 m elevation → moderate climate.
Meaning of Climate and Weather
Climate refers to the sum total of weather conditions and
variations over a large area for a long period of time (more than
30 years).
Weather is the state of the atmosphere at any point of time over
a short area.
Elements of both weather and climate: Temperature,
Atmospheric Pressure, Wind, Humidity & Precipitation
Weather fluctuates daily, but a common pattern over weeks or months divides the year into
seasons such as winter, summer and rainy season.
Climate of India
India has a monsoon type of climate.
Found mainly in South and Southeast Asia.
Though the general pattern is similar across India, there are regional
variations in temperature and rainfall.
Examples of Variation
Temperature in summer may touch 50°C in Rajasthan desert, but be
only 20°C in Pahalgam.
In winter, Drass (J&K) may reach –45°C, while
Thiruvananthapuram remains around 22°C.
Thar Desert: Day 50°C, night 15°C → Large diurnal temperature
range
Andaman & Nicobar and Kerala → Little difference between day &
night temperature
Rainfall Variation
Over 400 cm in Meghalaya (e.g., Mawsynram – world’s highest
average rainfall)
Less than 10 cm in Ladakh & western Rajasthan
Most rainfall: June–September, except Tamil Nadu coast – rain in
October–November
, Climatic Controls
Six major controls:
1. Latitude
2. Altitude
3. Pressure & wind system
4. Distance from the sea (continentality)
5. Ocean currents
6. Relief
Short explanation
Due to curvature of the Earth, temperature decreases from equator
to poles.
Temperature decreases with altitude → hills cooler.
Pressure & wind system influences temperature and rainfall.
Coastal areas have moderate climate; interiors experience extremes →
continentality
Ocean currents with winds affect temperature of coastal areas.
Mountains act as climatic barriers, cause precipitation on
windward side and dry condition on leeward side.
Factors Affecting India's Climate
1. Latitude
Tropic of Cancer divides India into tropical (south) & sub-tropical
(north) regions.
2. Altitude
Himalayan average height 6000 m → blocks cold winds from Central
Asia → milder winters in India.
Coastal plains about 30 m elevation → moderate climate.
