The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The Hot Weather Season in India, typically lasting from March to May, is primarily driven by the apparent northward movement of the sun towards the Tropic of Cancer. This shift causes the global heat belt to move northward, influencing temperature patterns and atmospheric pressure conditions across the Indian subcontinent.
Statement 1 is Correct:
The hot weather season is directly caused by the apparent northward movement of the sun. As the sun moves north of the equator, the region of intense heating shifts northward, leading to rising temperatures across the Indian landmass.
Statement 2 is Incorrect:
The heating of the Indian landmass occurs in stages corresponding to the sun's movement. In March, the highest temperatures (around 38°C) are recorded in the Deccan Plateau (peninsular India). It is only in May that the highest temperatures are recorded in the northwestern parts of the country, where temperatures often exceed 45°C.
Statement 3 is Incorrect:
Due to intense heating during the summer months, air expands and rises, leading to the development of low pressure. Towards the end of May, an elongated low-pressure area (not high-pressure) develops over the region extending from the Thar Desert in the northwest to the Chotanagpur plateau in the east. This low-pressure trough is crucial for attracting the Southeast Trade Winds, which eventually bring the monsoon.
Key Takeaway:
The Hot Weather Season is characterized by the northward shift of the heat belt. High temperatures lead to the formation of intense low-pressure systems over northwestern India by May, creating the necessary gradient for the onset of the Southwest Monsoon.