Why does the Tamil Nadu region experience dry weather during the months of June to September?
AIt is located in the rain shadow (leeward) region of the Western Ghats.
BIt is located too close to the Equator.
CIt is influenced by the cold Arctic winds.
DIt is situated at a very high altitude.
Answer:
A. It is located in the rain shadow (leeward) region of the Western Ghats.
Read Explanation:
Rain Shadow Effect and Tamil Nadu's Dry Season
The primary reason for the dry weather in the Tamil Nadu region from June to September is its geographical location relative to the Western Ghats.
During the Southwest Monsoon season (June to September), moisture-laden winds blow from the Arabian Sea towards the Indian subcontinent.
As these winds encounter the Western Ghats, they are forced to rise along the mountain slopes. This upward movement causes the winds to cool, condense, and release their moisture as heavy rainfall on the western (windward) side of the Ghats.
By the time these winds cross the Western Ghats and move towards the eastern plains, they have lost most of their moisture.
Consequently, the Tamil Nadu region, situated on the leeward (rain shadow) side of the Western Ghats, receives very little rainfall from the Southwest Monsoon.
Key Geographical Features:
Western Ghats: A mountain range running parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula.
Leeward Side (Rain Shadow Region): The side of a mountain range that is protected from the prevailing winds, resulting in significantly less rainfall.
Windward Side: The side facing the prevailing winds, which receives abundant rainfall.
Monsoon Dynamics:
Southwest Monsoon: The principal rainy season for most of India, typically from June to September.
The Bay of Bengal branch of the Southwest Monsoon also brings rain to parts of Tamil Nadu, but this primarily occurs during the Northeast Monsoon season (October to December).
This phenomenon explains why regions like Coimbatore, Madurai, and Chennai often experience drier conditions during the peak Southwest Monsoon months compared to states like Kerala or Karnataka, which lie on the windward side of the Western Ghats