Climate of India – NDA Geography Notes

Introduction

The Climate of India NDA chapter is an essential part of the NDA Geography syllabus. It covers India’s seasonal pattern, monsoon system, rainfall distribution, and factors affecting climate. Understanding this topic helps you tackle both conceptual and map-based questions in the NDA exam. In this article, we’ll simplify all the major aspects of India’s climate to help you prepare effectively.

India has a Tropical Monsoon Climate, which means:

• Seasonal reversal of winds

• 75% rainfall comes from South-West Monsoon

• Climate varies due to latitude, mountains, and distance from sea

Difference Between Weather and Climate

Factors Affecting Indian Climate

1️⃣ Latitudinal Location

• India extends from 8°N to 37°N

• Tropic of Cancer divides India into Tropical (South) & Subtropical (North)

2️⃣ Distance from Sea (Continentality)

• Coastal areas: Moderate temperature

• Interior areas: Extreme heat & cold

3️⃣ Himalayas

• Protect India from cold Siberian winds

• Cause Orographic rainfall by stopping monsoon winds

4️⃣ Physiography

• Western Ghats: Heavy rainfall on west side, rain shadow on east

• Aravalli: No rain to Rajasthan (parallel to winds)

5️⃣ Monsoon Winds

• South-West Monsoon (Summer Rain)

• North-East Monsoon (Winter Rain, mainly Tamil Nadu)

6️⃣ Jet Streams & Western Disturbances

• Westerly Jet Stream: Brings Western Disturbances → Winter rain & snow in North India

• Easterly Jet Stream: Affects monsoon onset

7️⃣ Tropical Cyclones

• Bay of Bengal & Arabian Sea

• Affects coastal weather in monsoon season

8️⃣ El Nino, La Nina & ENSO

• El Nino → Less rainfall in India

• La Nina → Excess rainfall

• ENSO → Combined ocean-atmosphere phenomenon affecting monsoon

Seasons of India (IMD Classification)

Monsoon in India

Monsoon = Arabic word “Mausim” (Seasonal winds)

Causes of Monsoon

• Heating of landmass (Tibetan Plateau) → Low pressure

• High pressure in Southern Indian Ocean

• Coriolis Force & Ferrel’s Law → Wind direction change

• ITCZ Movement → Controls monsoon path

• Somali Jet, African Easterly Jet → Support monsoon winds

South-West Monsoon (Summer Rainfall)

• Burst of Monsoon → Sudden onset around June 1

• Orographic Rainfall → Western Ghats, Assam Hills

• Begins: Sept 23 onwards

• Causes rainfall in Coromandel Coast (Tamil Nadu) due to moisture pick-up from Bay of Bengal.

• Responsible for Cyclones in Bay of Bengal (Oct–Nov)

North-East Monsoon (Winter Rainfall)

• Blows from land to sea → Dry winds

• Exception: Tamil Nadu Coast receives rainfall because winds pick moisture from Bay of Bengal

Special Weather Phenomena

Annual Rainfall Stats

• Average Rainfall in India: 125 cm

• Heavy Rainfall (>300 cm): Western Ghats, Northeast India

• Low Rainfall (<50 cm): Rajasthan Desert, Ladakh

• Tropical Cyclones: Bay of Bengal (Oct–Nov), Arabian Sea (Less frequent)

• Floods & Droughts due to monsoon variability

• Heatwaves & Coldwaves in plains

Natural Hazards Linked to Climate

• Floods – Bihar, Assam

• Droughts – Rajasthan, Maharashtra

• Cyclones – Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu

• Heatwaves – North India (Loo)

• Coldwaves – North Indian Plains

Climate Change & India 

• Irregular Monsoons & Extreme Events increasing

• Cyclone frequency rising in Bay of Bengal

• India’s commitment to Paris Agreement & Net Zero 2070

Jet Streams & Western Disturbances

• Jet Streams: High-speed winds at 6–12 km altitude

• Western Disturbances: Temperate cyclones from Mediterranean via westerly jet streams

• Cause winter rain & snow in North India → Essential for Rabi crops & Apple cultivation

Impact of Western Disturbances

Conclusion

The Climate of India NDA topic is frequently asked in NDA written exams due to its high relevance. From the working of monsoons to seasonal variations, this chapter provides conceptual clarity and scoring potential. Share these Climate of India NDA notes with fellow aspirants and keep revising smartly. Your consistent preparation will lead you to success!

Also Read: Physical Division of India

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