India experiences varying precipitation throughout the year, showcasing a distinct rainy season that typically spans from June to September. According to the Koppen climate classification, the country can be divided into seven different climatic regions. Each region brings its own unique weather patterns, contributing to the diverse and dynamic climate experienced across India.
- Tropical semi-arid
- Sub-tropical arid desert
- Sub-tropical semi-arid
- Tropical rainforest
- Tropical Savannah
- Sub-tropical humid
- Alpine
The average rainfall in India is 118 cm according to annual data from the Meteorological Department. The following is the distribution of rainfall in India:
Extreme Precipitation regions: In the Northeast and on the windward side of the Western Ghats, there’s a yearly downpour averaging a whopping 400 cm. Places like Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and the hilly tracts of the Western Ghats boast vibrant tropical rainforests.
Heavy Precipitation regions: The regions experiencing 200-300 cm rainfall belong to this zone. Most of Eastern India is covered under this zone. These regions are also home to tropical rainforests. States such as West Bengal, Tripura, Nagaland, Manipur, Odisha and Bihar are included in this zone. Most of the areas in the sub-Himalayan belt also fall under this zone.
Moderate Precipitation regions: Areas which experience 100 to 200 cm of rainfall include parts of West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and the leeward side of the Western Ghats. Wet Deciduous forests comprise the most common natural vegetation of these regions. Scanty Precipitation regions: Areas having 50 to 100 cm of rainfall consisting of parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh. Tropical Grasslands, Savannah and Dry Deciduous forests are commonly found in these areas.
Desert and Semi-desert Regions: The hardy states of Rajasthan and Gujarat, along with adjacent areas, receive less than 50 cm of rainfall, earning them the title of desert or semi-desert regions. Even parts of Jammu & Kashmir, like the Ladakh plateau, are included as cold deserts. Vegetation here consists of tough species built to endure extended droughts. In places like Gujarat, you might even spot Savannah vegetation in the wetter regions.
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