Consider the following statements regarding precipitation and rainfall types in India:

1. Convectional rainfall occurs in parts of central and eastern India during summer, leading to localized thunderstorms that contribute significantly to annual rainfall.

2. Orographic rainfall is the primary reason for heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats and the northeastern states like Meghalaya.

3. Cyclonic rainfall in India is caused only by tropical cyclones, while mid-latitude disturbances do not contribute to precipitation.

4. The northeast monsoon primarily affects Tamil Nadu, bringing significant rainfall during the post-monsoon period.

How many of the above statements are correct?

The correct answer is option 3

Key Points

• Convectional Rainfall occurs in central and eastern India during summer due to intense heating, leading to localized thunderstorms such as Nor’westers (Kal Baisakhi) in Bengal & Assam.
• Orographic Rainfall is dominant in the Western Ghats and northeastern states (Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh), where moist air rises over mountains, causing heavy rainfall on the windward side and creating rain-shadow regions like the Deccan Plateau.
• Cyclonic Rainfall is caused by both tropical cyclones and extratropical Western Disturbances, influencing different seasons in coastal regions and North India.
• Northeast Monsoon brings rainfall primarily to Tamil Nadu, but also affects Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and parts of Kerala, influencing India’s post-monsoon climate.

Important Points

• Convectional Rainfall – Occurs due to intense solar heating, creating local thunderstorms during pre-monsoon and summer months.
• Orographic Rainfall – Causes extreme rainfall in places like Mawsynram & Cherrapunji, while leeward regions (e.g., Pune, Bengaluru) remain dry.
• Cyclonic Rainfall – India experiences two types:
• Tropical cyclones (June–November) in the Bay of Bengal & Arabian Sea cause heavy rain in coastal states.
• Western Disturbances (December–February) bring winter rain to Punjab, Haryana, and Kashmir, crucial for Rabi crop cultivation.
•  Northeast Monsoon – Occurs from October to December, giving Tamil Nadu over 50% of its annual rainfall, while also affecting parts of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Odisha.

Additional Information

• Orographic rainfall is the reason why Mumbai (on the windward side) receives more rainfall than Pune (on the leeward side).
• Cyclonic rainfall is not limited to tropical storms—it plays a role in winter precipitation over North India, aiding wheat and mustard crops.
• Tamil Nadu's rainfall dependency on the northeast monsoon makes it different from most of India, which relies on the southwest monsoon (June–September).
• Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns in India, causing unpredictable monsoon behavior, increased cyclone intensity, and shifting rainfall zones.