Question

Punjab and Haryana receive rainfall from_____________
A. Western disturbances
B. Cyclones of Bay of Bengal
C. Both of these
D. None of these

Answer 1

Hint: The Western disturbance plays an important role in bringing about moderate to heavy rain in the low-lying areas and also brings to it heavy snowfall to the mountainous areas of the Indian subcontinent. The western disturbances flow from the west to the east direction.

Complete step by step answer:
Western disturbance is an extratropical storm that originates from the Mediterranean region. This storm brings sudden winter rain to the northwestern parts of India such as the states of Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. It is a type of non-monsoonal precipitation that is driven by the westerlies and the moisture in these storms usually originates from the Mediterranean Sea. Western disturbances, specifically the ones in winter, bring moderate to heavy rain in low-lying areas and heavy snow to mountainous areas of the Indian Subcontinent. Precipitation during the time of winter is an important factor for agriculture, particularly for rabi crops. Among the following crops, wheat is a very important crop as it helps to fulfill the food security of India. It can also help residents, farmers, and the government to avoid many of the problems in relation to water scarcity.
However, excessive precipitation due to this disturbance also causes crop damage, landslides, and avalanches. It also occasionally brings about cold waves and fog conditions.
So, the correct answer is Option A.

Note: Western Disturbances are caused during most of the winter as well as pre-monsoon season rainfall across the Northwestern regions of India. This phenomenon is usually associated with a cloudy sky, high night temperatures, and unusual rains.