Climate of India MCQs
1. The climate of India is broadly described as which type?
India's climate is influenced by the monsoon winds, which change direction with the seasons, hence it is called Tropical Monsoon climate.
2. Which state in India is the first to receive the Southwest Monsoon rains?
The Southwest Monsoon usually hits the Kerala coast on June 1st, marking the onset of the rainy season in India.
3. Which place in India receives the highest average rainfall in the world?
Mawsynram in Meghalaya receives the highest average annual rainfall in the world due to its unique location in the funnel-shaped Khasi hills.
4. The winter rainfall in North-West India is caused by:
Western Disturbances originating from the Mediterranean Sea bring winter rain to Punjab, Haryana, and snow to the Himalayas.
5. Which coast receives the maximum rainfall during the winter months (Retreating Monsoon)?
The Coromandel Coast (Tamil Nadu) receives the bulk of its rainfall during October-December from the Northeast (Retreating) Monsoon.
6. "Mango Showers" are pre-monsoon showers common in which states?
These showers help in the early ripening of mangoes and are locally known as Mango Showers in Kerala and Karnataka.
7. The local thunderstorms in West Bengal during the hot weather season are called:
'Kalbaisakhi' or 'Nor'westers' are violent thunderstorms in Bengal and Assam during April/May.
8. Which of the following factors does NOT affect the Indian climate?
Distance from the core is irrelevant. Factors like latitude, altitude, distance from the sea, and relief features affect the climate.
9. "Loo" is a characteristic feature of which season in India?
Loo is a strong, gusty, hot, dry wind blowing during the day over the north and northwestern India during the summer months.
10. The Southwest Monsoon contributes approximately what percentage of India's total rainfall?
The Southwest Monsoon season (June to September) provides the majority (approx 75% or more) of annual precipitation in India.
11. Which phenomenon involves the warming of the Pacific Ocean and negatively affects the Indian Monsoon?
El Nino is a warm ocean current along the coast of Peru that often leads to weak monsoons and drought conditions in India.
12. In the Koppen classification, 'Amw' represents which type of climate in India?
'Amw' refers to the Tropical Monsoon climate found in the Western coastal plain south of Goa (Malabar coast).
13. Which area in India receives the lowest rainfall?
Leh in Ladakh is a cold desert and receives extremely scanty rainfall, often less than 10 cm annually.
14. The diurnal range of temperature (difference between day and night temps) is highest in:
Deserts heat up quickly during the day and cool down rapidly at night due to the absence of moisture and clouds.
15. The 'October Heat' phenomenon is associated with:
During October, the sky clears, but the land is moist. High temperature and humidity create an oppressive weather condition known as 'October Heat'.
16. The Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon is blocked by which mountains causing heavy rain in the west?
The Western Ghats obstruct the moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea, causing heavy orographic rainfall on the windward side.
17. Why does the Tamil Nadu coast remain dry during the Southwest Monsoon?
It lies in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats for the Arabian Sea branch, and the Bay of Bengal branch flows parallel to the coast.
18. The sudden onset of the moisture-laden winds associated with violent thunder and lightning is often termed as:
This phenomenon marks the sudden start of intense rainfall after the pre-monsoon showers.
19. Which place in India has the coldest recorded temperature?
Dras (in Ladakh) is often called the 'Gateway to Ladakh' and is the coldest inhabited place in India, with temperatures dropping below -40°C.
20. Which type of rainfall is most common in the foothills of the Himalayas?
Moisture-laden winds rise against the mountains (Himalayas), cool down, and cause precipitation (Orographic rain).
21. The duration of the monsoon decreases from:
The monsoon stays longest in the southern peninsular region (arrival early June, withdrawal late/mid-Oct or later) compared to the north.
22. Which jet stream flows over the Indian plains during winter?
The Subtropical Westerly Jet Stream flows south of the Himalayas during winter and steers Western Disturbances into India.
23. "Bardoli Chheerha" is a local storm occurring in:
It is a local name for thunderstorms (Nor'westers) in Assam, known for being useful for tea, jute, and rice cultivation.
24. Which of the following states has a 'Semi-Arid' climate?
Large parts of Rajasthan fall under Arid and Semi-Arid climatic zones due to scanty rainfall.
25. The Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) shifts to which location in summer over India?
In summer, the ITCZ shifts northward over the Ganga plains, creating a low-pressure trough that attracts monsoon winds.
26. "Blossom Showers" are useful for which crop?
Occurring in Kerala and nearby areas, Blossom Showers help in the blossoming of coffee flowers.
27. The average annual rainfall of India is approximately:
India's average annual rainfall is estimated to be around 118-125 cm.
28. Which branch of the monsoon causes rainfall in the Ganga plains?
The Bay of Bengal branch deflects towards the west due to the Himalayas and moves up the Ganga plains.
29. The climate of Mumbai is best described as:
Due to its proximity to the sea, Mumbai experiences a maritime climate with low temperature variation between summer and winter.
30. Why does the Aravalli range not intercept the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon?
The Aravalli range lies parallel to the direction of the Arabian Sea branch, allowing winds to pass without causing significant uplift and rain.
31. Which month is generally the coldest in Northern India?
January is typically the coldest month in Northern India, with significant temperature drops.
32. The dry spell during the rainy season is known as:
If rain fails to occur for one or more weeks during the monsoon period, it is called a 'break' in the monsoon.
33. Tropical Cyclones in India are most frequent during which periods?
Cyclones originating in the Bay of Bengal are most frequent during the transition periods, especially October and November.
34. Which region falls under 'As' (Tropical Monsoon with dry summer) in Koppen's classification?
The Coromandel coast of Tamil Nadu receives winter rain and has a dry summer, fitting the 'As' classification.
35. Which of the following stations lies in the Rain Shadow region?
Pune lies on the leeward (rain shadow) side of the Western Ghats, receiving significantly less rainfall than Mumbai or Mangalore.
36. What is the direction of winds in Kerala during the Southwest Monsoon?
The winds blow from the sea (Indian Ocean) towards the land from the South-West direction.
37. La Nina is generally associated with what effect on the Indian Monsoon?
La Nina (cooling of the Pacific) usually strengthens the trade winds and results in good or heavy monsoon rains in India.
38. An imaginary line connecting places with equal rainfall is called:
Isohyets are lines on a map connecting points having the same amount of rainfall in a given period.
39. Which state receives rainfall from both the Southwest and Northeast Monsoons?
While it gets most rain from the NE Monsoon, interior parts also receive some rainfall during the SW Monsoon season.
40. The withdrawal of the monsoon begins in:
The withdrawal of the monsoon typically begins in the northwestern states of India around the first week of September.
Climate of India – Complete Notes for UPSC, SSC, JKSSB
The climate of India plays a crucial role in its agriculture, biodiversity, and economy. For aspirants of UPSC, SSC, JKSSB, and other state-level exams, a solid understanding of India’s climatic regions, seasons, and monsoon patterns is essential. This blog post covers all the important concepts, facts, and one-liners required to master this topic.
What is Climate?
Climate refers to the average weather conditions (temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind, etc.) over a long period (typically 30+ years) in a particular region.
Difference Between Weather and Climate
| Aspect | Weather | Climate |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Short-term (daily) | Long-term (30+ years) |
| Area | Local | Regional/National/Global |
| Changes | Rapid and frequent | Gradual |
Factors Affecting the Climate of India
- Latitude: India lies in the tropical and subtropical zones.
- Himalayas: Block cold winds from Central Asia.
- Altitude: Higher altitude = cooler climate (e.g., Shimla vs Delhi).
- Distance from Sea: Coastal areas have moderate climate; interiors are extreme.
- Monsoon Winds: Cause seasonal rainfall variations.
- Jet Streams: Westerly jet stream impacts Western Disturbances in North India.
Climatic Zones of India (Köppen Classification)
Wladimir Köppen classified India's climate into various zones based on temperature and rainfall:
- Tropical Wet (Af): Western Ghats, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Tropical Wet & Dry (Aw): Peninsular Plateau (e.g., Karnataka, Maharashtra)
- Arid (BWh): Thar Desert region (Rajasthan)
- Semi-arid (BSh): Gujarat, Haryana, interior Deccan
- Humid Subtropical (Cwa): Northern Plains, foothills of Himalayas
- Mountain Climate (H): Himalayan region (cold and snowy)
Seasons in India (According to Indian Meteorological Department - IMD)
- Winter (January - February): Cold, dry winds from North; snowfall in Himalayas.
- Pre-monsoon or Summer (March - May): High temperatures; Loo winds in North India.
- Southwest Monsoon (June - September): Heavy rainfall from Arabian Sea & Bay of Bengal.
- Post-monsoon or Retreating Monsoon (October - December): Rainfall in Tamil Nadu due to NE monsoon.
Monsoon in India
The Indian monsoon is a complex wind system that brings the majority of annual rainfall.
- Onset: First arrives in Kerala by June 1st.
- Southwest Monsoon: Arabian Sea branch and Bay of Bengal branch.
- Withdrawal: Begins in Rajasthan in September and ends in Tamil Nadu by December.
- NE Monsoon: Affects Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh during October-November.
Rainfall Patterns in India
| Region | Rainfall (cm) | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Western Ghats, NE India | 200 – 400+ | Heavy |
| Gangetic Plains | 100 – 200 | Moderate |
| Deccan Plateau | 50 – 100 | Low to moderate |
| Thar Desert | <25 | Very low |
Important Wind Systems
- Western Disturbances: Winter rain in North India; from Mediterranean Sea.
- Jet Streams: High-altitude winds influencing monsoon onset and withdrawal.
- Trade Winds: Easterlies from equatorward regions.
Natural Hazards Linked to Indian Climate
- Droughts: Caused by failed monsoon or El Niño.
- Floods: Excess rainfall and poor drainage (e.g., Assam, Bihar).
- Cyclones: Mostly in Bay of Bengal, few in Arabian Sea (e.g., Phailin, Hudhud).
Major Climatic Regions of India (Thornthwaite Classification)
- Humid: Assam, West Bengal, Kerala
- Sub-humid: UP, Bihar, Chhattisgarh
- Semi-arid: Gujarat, Maharashtra
- Arid: Rajasthan
Exam‑Relevant One‑Liners (SSC / JKSSB / UPSC)
- Rainiest place in India: Mawsynram, Meghalaya
- Monsoon enters India through: Kerala coast
- NE Monsoon affects: Tamil Nadu, SE Andhra Pradesh
- Winter rainfall in Punjab & Haryana: Western Disturbances
- Hot, dry wind in North India: Loo
- Jet streams are found in: Upper troposphere
- Rainfall type in India: Orographic and convectional