Q- Give a brief account of the condition and characteristics of the retreating monsoons.
Answer- The conditions and characteristics of the retreating monsoons are as follows:
1. Monsoon is the transitional period during the months of October and November.
2. The south-west monsoon winds weaken and start withdrawing gradually.
3. With the apparent movement of the Sun towards the south, the low pressure trough over the northern plains becomes weaker. This is gradually replaced by a high pressure system.
4. By beginning of October, the monsoon withdraws from the northern plains.
5. The months of October and November form a period of transition from hot rainy season to dry winter conditions.
6. When monsoons retreat, strikes get clear and the temperature rises.
7. While day temperatures are high, nights are cool and pleasant. The land is still moist.
8. The low pressure conditions get transferred to the Bay of Bengal by early November.
9. Owing to the conditions of high temperature and humidity, the weather becomes oppressive during the day. This is commonly known as October Heat.
10. The cyclonic depressions originate from the Andaman Sea and cause heavy and widespread rains to the eastern coast.
11. These tropical cyclones are often very destructive and affect the coast of Odisha, West Bengal and Bangladesh.