Question

Give an account of weather conditions and characteristics of the hot weather season.

Answer 1

(i) The global heat belt shifts northward during the hot weather season which lasts from March to May. In March, the highest temperature is about ${38}^o$ celcius, recorded on the Deccan plateau.
(ii) In April, temperature in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are around ${42}^o$ Celsius.
(iii) In May, temperature of ${45}^o$ Celsius is common in the north-western parts of the country.
(iv) In peninsular India, temperature remains lower due to the moderating influence of the oceans.
(v) The summer months experience rising temperature and falling air pressure in the northern part of the country.
(vi) Towards the end of May, an elongation low-pressure area develops in the region extending from the Thar Desert in the north-west to Patna and Chotanagpur plateau in the east and south-east. Circulation of air begins to set in around this trough.
(vii) Loo, a strong gusty, hot, dry wind blows during the day over the north and north-western India. Direct exposure to loo may even prove to be fatal.
(viii) Dust storms are very common during the month of May in Northern India. These storms bring temporary relief as they lower the temperature.
(ix) Thunderstorms are also common during this season. They are associated with violet winds, torrential downpours, often accompanied by hail.
(x) Pre-monsoon showers mark the close of this season particularly in Kerala and Karnataka.