1. Winter Season (Mid-November to February)
A. Duration and Characteristics
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Begins around mid-November and extends till February.
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Coldest month: January.
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North India experiences cold waves and frost.
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Southern India remains comparatively warmer.
B. Temperature Pattern
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Northwest India: Temperatures can drop below 5°C.
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South India: Mild temperatures (15–25°C).
C. Winds and Weather Conditions
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Dominated by northeast trade winds, which are dry and cool.
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Western Disturbances bring light rain and snowfall to the northwestern Himalayas.
D. Rainfall
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Generally dry season, except:
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Punjab, Haryana: Light showers due to Western Disturbances.
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Tamil Nadu and coastal Andhra Pradesh: Receive rain from northeast monsoon.
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2. Summer Season (March to Mid-June)
A. Duration and Characteristics
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Starts in March, peaks in May, ends by mid-June.
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Known as the pre-monsoon or hot weather season.
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High temperatures and low humidity dominate the plains.
B. Temperature Pattern
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North India: Temperatures often exceed 40–45°C.
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Coastal areas: More moderate due to sea influence.
C. Local Winds and Phenomena
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Loo: Hot, dry winds in northwestern India during May and June.
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Nor’westers (Kal Baisakhi): Local thunderstorms in West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha.
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Dust storms: Frequent in the northern plains.
D. Agricultural Importance
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Land preparation begins for the kharif season.
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Summer crops: Watermelon, muskmelon, cucumbers, etc.
3. Southwest Monsoon Season (Mid-June to September)
A. Onset and Duration
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Begins around 1st June in Kerala.
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Covers the entire country by mid-July.
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Lasts till end of September.
B. Origin and Mechanism
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Driven by differential heating of land and sea.
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Southwest monsoon winds blow from the Indian Ocean toward the subcontinent.
C. Branches of Monsoon
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Arabian Sea Branch: Hits the Western Ghats → causes heavy rain in Kerala, Karnataka, Konkan coast.
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Bay of Bengal Branch: Moves northeast, hits Assam and Meghalaya, then curves over the Gangetic plain.
D. Rainfall Distribution
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Highest rainfall: Mawsynram and Cherrapunji in Meghalaya.
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Rain-shadow areas: Eastern Rajasthan, western Madhya Pradesh, interior Maharashtra.
E. Importance
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Crucial for Kharif crops: rice, maize, pulses, sugarcane.
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Major water resource replenishment for rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
4. Retreating Monsoon Season (October to Mid-November)
A. Characteristics
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Known as the post-monsoon or transition season.
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Winds start to withdraw from northwest India around September-end.
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Rain-bearing clouds move southward and eastward.
B. Weather Conditions
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Days remain warm, but nights become cooler.
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Skies are generally clear.
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Humidity remains high, especially in coastal areas.
C. Rainfall
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Northeast monsoon brings rainfall to:
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Tamil Nadu
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South Andhra Pradesh
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Puducherry and coastal Karnataka
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This is the main rainy season for Tamil Nadu.
D. Cyclonic Activity
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Bay of Bengal is active with cyclonic storms during this period.
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States like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal are vulnerable to cyclone landfalls.
5. Summary Table of Indian Seasons
| Season | Duration | Key Features | Regions Most Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Mid-Nov to Feb | Cold, dry; western disturbances in North | North, Northwest, Tamil Nadu |
| Summer | March to Mid-June | Hot, dry winds (Loo), thunderstorms | North, Central, East India |
| Monsoon | Mid-June to Sept | Heavy rainfall from SW winds | Entire country (esp. Northeast) |
| Retreating Monsoon | Oct to Mid-Nov | Cyclones, NE monsoon in SE coast | Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Odisha |
Conclusion
India’s climate is shaped by distinct seasonal patterns, each playing a vital role in the ecological balance, agriculture, and economy of the country. The timely onset and withdrawal of the monsoon are crucial for water management, food security, and disaster preparedness. Understanding these seasonal cycles helps in better planning for irrigation, cropping, and resource allocation.