The climate in India is described as monsoon type.

India is
strongly influenced by monsoon winds. The monsoon type of climate is characterized by a
distinct seasonal pattern. The weather Conditions change from one pattern to another.
ADVANCING MONSOON
By early June, the low pressure condition over Northern Plains intensifies. It is powerful
enough to attract the trade winds of the Southern Hemisphere. These south-east trade winds
originate over the warm subtropical areas of the southern oceans.. They cross the equator and
blow in a south-westerly direction entering the Indian Peninsula as the South-west Monsoon.
As these winds blow over warm oceans, they bring abundant moisture to the subcontinent.
These winds are strong and blow at an average speed of 30 km per hour. With the exception of
the extreme north-west, the monsoon winds cover the country in about a month.The inflow of
the South-west Monsoon into India brings about a total change in the weather.Early in the
season, the windward side of the Western Ghats receives very heavy rainfall (more than 250
cm). The Deccan Plateau and parts of Madhya Pradesh also receive some amount of rain in
spite of lying in the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats. Maximum rainfall of this season
is received in the north-eastern part of the country. Cherrapunji and Mawsynram in the
southern ranges of the Khasi Hills receive the highest average rainfall in the world
(maximum-recorded rainfall 1080 mm).Rainfall in the Ganga valley decreases from the east
to the west. Rajasthan and arts of Gujarat get scanty rainfall. Another characteristic feature
associated with the monsoon is its tendency to have 'breaks' in rainfall. In other words it has
wet and dry spells. Monsoon rains take place only for a few days at a time. They are
interspersed with rainless intervals.These breaks in monsoon are related to the movement of
the monsoon trough.For various reasons, the trough and its axis keep on moving northward
or southward, which determines the spatial distribution of rainfall.. When the axis of the
monsoon trough lies over the plains, rainfall is good in these parts. On the other hand, when
the axis shifts closer to the Himalayas, there are longer dry spells in the plains,Widespread
rains occur in the mountainous catchment areas of the Himalayan Rivers.These heavy rains
bring devastating floods. They cause damage to life and property in the plains. The frequency
and intensity of tropical depressions too, determine the amount and duration of monsoon
rains. These depressions form at the head of the Bay of Bengal and cross over to the
mainland.The depressions follow the axis of the "monsoon trough of low pressure". Monsoon
is known for its uncertainties and vagaries. The alternation of dry and wet spells varies in
intensity frequency and in duration. It causes heavy floods in one part, while it is responsible
for droughts in the other. It is often irregular in its arrival and its retreat.. These uncertainties
disturb the entire farming schedule of crores of farmers all over India.

RETREATING MONSOON
During October-November, with the movement of the Sun towards south monsoon trough low
pressure. Trough over Northern Plains becomes weak.. High-pressure system gradually takes
over. South-west monsoon winds become weak and start withdrawing.. By the beginning of
October, monsoon withdraws from Northern Plains. October-November is a period of
transition from hot rainy season to dry winter conditions. Monsoon retreat is marked by
clear sky and rise in temperature. Day temperatures are high. Nights are cool and pleasant.
Land is still moist. Owing to the conditions of high temperature and humidity weather
becomes rather oppressive during the day. This is commonly known as 'October heat'. After
October 15, the mercury begins to fall rapidly, particularly, in Northern India. Low pressure
conditions prevailing over North-western India get transferred to Bay of Bengal by early
November. This shift is associated with occurrence of cyclonic depressions commonly known
as tropical cyclone. They originate over the Andaman Sea. Some of them manage to cross the
eastern coasts of India. They cause heavy and widespread rains. They are often very
destructive. Thickly populated deltas of the Godavari, the Krishna and the Kaveri are
frequently struck by these cyclones. They cause immense damage to life and property.
Sometimes, they also arrive at the coasts of Orissa, West Bengal and Bangladesh.Bulk of the
rainfall of the Coromandal coast is derived from depressions and cyclones.
MONSOON AS A UNIFYING BOND.
Seasonal alteration of the wind system provide a rhythmic cycle of seasons. The Indian
landscape, its animals and plants life, its agricultural calendar and the life of the people
including their festivities revolves around the phenomenon.