Mid-November to February
Explanation
The climate of India is characterized by a distinct seasonal rhythm. The Cold Weather Season constitutes one of the four primary seasons identified by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), driven by the apparent movement of the sun and the shifting of pressure belts.
Detailed Analysis
- Duration: The Cold Weather Season typically sets in during mid-November in Northern India and continues until February.
- Temperature Trends: December and January are generally the coldest months in the northern plains. During this period, the mean daily temperature remains below 21°C over most parts of northern India.
- Atmospheric Conditions: The season is characterized by the establishment of a high-pressure region over the northern plains, leading to the flow of cold, dry winds from the northwest.
- Comparison with other options:
- September to December: September and October are primarily associated with the Retreating Monsoon season.
- October to January: October is a transition month (autumn) often referred to as the season of retreating monsoons, not the core cold weather season.
- December to March: While December is part of winter, March marks the onset of the Hot Weather Season (Summer) in India as temperatures begin to rise significantly.
Key Takeaway: The Cold Weather Season in Northern India is strictly defined from mid-November to February, with December and January being the peak winter months.