Correct Option
The correct option is
1 and 3 only
.Explanation
North India experiences distinct and severe cold weather conditions during the winter season due to its specific geographical location, distance from maritime influences, and prevailing atmospheric circulation patterns.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: North Indian states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan are located far from the moderating influence of the sea. This phenomenon, known as continentality, leads to extreme climatic variations, resulting in excessive cold during winter and intense heat during summer.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The excessive cold in the northern plains is triggered by snowfall in the nearby Himalayan ranges, not its absence. When snowfall occurs in the mountains, it generates cold wave conditions, causing cold winds to descend into the plains and significantly lower the temperature.
- Statement 3 is Correct: During the cold weather season, specifically around February, cold winds originating from the Caspian Sea and Turkmenistan flow into the northwestern parts of India. These winds bring frost and fog, intensifying the cold conditions across the region.
Key Takeaway
The severity of winter in North India is primarily driven by the continentality effect, the chilling impact of Himalayan snowfall, and the inflow of cold winds from Central Asia and the Caspian region.