Question

Which one of the following causes rainfall during winters in the north-western part of India?

• A. Cyclonic depression
• B. Retreating monsoon
• C. Western disturbances
• D. Southwest monsoon

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Western disturbances

Answer: (c) Western disturbances

In the northwestern section of India, rainfall is caused by western disturbances during the winter. Westerlies are responsible for this pattern. The development of the Rabi crop in the northern subcontinent, which contains the locally significant staple wheat, is influenced by Western Disturbances.

Impact of Western disturbances

The western disturbances create the following impacts on the atmosphere

• It plays a significant role in bringing moderate to heavy rain in low-lying areas and the huge quantity of snow to mountainous areas of the Indian Subcontinent.
• This disturbance usually occurs with a cloudy sky, higher night temperatures and unusual rain.
• The precipitation formed has a great impact on agriculture, particularly for the Rabi crops.
• The excessive precipitation formed due to this disturbance can cause crop damage, landslides, floods and avalanches.
• In the areas of Indo-Gangetic plains, it occasionally brings cold wave conditions and dense fog.
• These climatic conditions remain stable until disturbed by another western disturbance.
• When these western disturbances travel across northwest India earlier to the onset of monsoon, a set of temporary advancements of monsoon current appears over the affected region.

Articles to Explore:

1. Explain western disturbances
2. Write a short note on the southwest monsoon and the northeast monsoon
3. Mention any 5 characteristics of monsoon