India is a vast country with a wide range of climates and temperatures, from the extreme cold of the Himalayas to the intense heat of the Thar Desert. It is no surprise that the country experiences some of the most extreme temperature ranges in the world, and understanding the factors that contribute to these ranges is essential to understanding India’s climate.
Temperature Extremes in India
India is blessed with a diverse range of climates, from the tropical rainforests of the east to the snow-capped Himalayan mountains in the north. This variety of climates means that India experiences one of the widest temperature ranges in the world.
The highest temperature ever recorded in India was 51.0°C (123.8°F) in Phalodi, Rajasthan in 2016, while the lowest temperature ever recorded was -45.0°C (-49.0°F) at Dras in Ladakh in 2019. This means that India experiences a range of temperatures from -45°C to +51°C, which is the widest range of any country in the world.
Exploring the Range of Heat and Cold
The range of temperatures experienced in India is largely determined by its geography. India is located in the tropics, which means it has a warm climate year-round. At the same time, the Himalayan mountain range acts as a barrier, trapping cold air in the northern part of the country. This is why the highest temperatures are found in the western part of the country, while the lowest temperatures are found in the northern part of the country.
The Himalayas are also responsible for the wide range of temperatures found in India. The mountains act as a barrier, trapping cold air in the northern part of the country and preventing it from mixing with the warm air in the south. This means that the northern part of the country experiences much cooler temperatures than the south.
At the same time, India’s location near the equator also means that it experiences intense heat during the summer months. This is why the highest temperatures in the country are found in the western part of the country, where the sun is strongest.
In conclusion, India experiences some of the most extreme temperature ranges in the world due to its diverse geography and location near the equator. The highest temperatures are found in the western part of the country, while the lowest temperatures are found in the northern part of the country. Understanding the factors that contribute to these temperature ranges is essential to understanding India’s climate.
