4.3.2. The Hot Weather Season (Summer)

Due to the apparent northward movement of the sun, the global heat belt shifts northwards. As such, from March to May, it is hot weather season in India.

The hot weather season in India runs from March to May, during which the sun appears to move northward. This shift increases the day's heat, causing temperatures to rise significantly across the country.

Think of it like a classroom heating up when the sun shines through the windows. Just as the sunlight warms the room, the sun’s apparent movement during these months warms the Indian subcontinent.

The influence of the shifting of the heat belt can be seen clearly from temperature recordings taken during March-May at different latitudes. In March, the highest temperature is about 38° Celsius, recorded on the Deccan plateau. In April, temperatures in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are around 42° Celsius. In May, temperature of 45° Celsius is common in the northwestern parts of the country.

During the hot weather season, temperatures rise progressively each month. March sees temperatures peak at around 38°C, especially in the Deccan plateau. By April, parts of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh experience even warmer temperatures of about 42°C. In May, the heat intensifies further, with some northwestern regions reaching temperatures of 45°C.

Imagine walking outside on a sunny day in March and feeling warm, but then experiencing even hotter days as you approach April and May, like turning up the thermostat in your house. Each month brings noticeably higher temperatures.

In peninsular India, temperatures remain lower due to the moderating influence of the oceans.

Unlike the northwestern parts of India, where temperatures soar, the coastal areas of peninsular India enjoy relatively lower temperatures. This is attributed to the nearby oceans, which have a cooling effect on the land, keeping the heat at bay.

Think about how you feel near a beach on a hot summer day compared to being inland. The ocean breeze keeps the coastal temperatures cooler, similar to how oceans moderate the temperatures in peninsular India.

The summer months experience rising temperature and falling air pressure in the northern part of the country. Towards the end of May, an elongated low-pressure area develops in the region extending from the Thar Desert in the northwest to Patna and Chotanagpur plateau in the east and southeast.

As temperatures rise, air pressure in northern India decreases. By the end of May, a significant low-pressure area stretches from the Thar Desert across to parts of east India. This low-pressure zone influences wind patterns and weather conditions.

Imagine a balloon that expands when heat rises inside it. Similarly, as the air heats up, it causes a drop in air pressure, creating a low-pressure area, which affects how winds flow and shape the weather.

A striking feature of the hot weather season is the ‘loo’. These are strong, gusty, hot, dry winds blowing during the day over the north and northwestern India.

'Loo' is a local term for hot, dry winds that blow across northern and northwestern India during the summer. These winds can be very uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous due to their high temperatures.

Picture opening an oven door and feeling the intense heat rush out. That’s similar to how the 'loo' wind feels when it blows through the region, often making it unbearable to be outdoors.

Dust storms are very common during the month of May in northern India. These storms bring temporary relief as they lower the temperature and may bring light rain and cool breeze.

In May, dust storms frequently occur in northern India. While they may seem chaotic, these storms help to momentarily cool down the hot temperatures and can bring some rain relief.

Think of it as a sudden change in weather before a big event. Just as a storm can clear the air, dust storms can mark a shift in temperature, sometimes even helping to lower the heat temporarily.

Towards the close of the summer season, pre-monsoon showers are common especially, in Kerala and Karnataka. They help in the early ripening of mangoes, and are often referred to as ‘mango showers’.

As summer ends, regions like Kerala and Karnataka experience pre-monsoon showers. These rains are crucial for agriculture, particularly in helping mangoes ripen earlier. Such showers are popularly called 'mango showers' because of their timing.

Imagine preparing a garden for a new season. Just as the right amount of rain nurtures the plants, these pre-monsoon showers play a critical role in ensuring fruit ripens beautifully for harvest.

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