Question

The coromandel coast of India receives good rainfall from the cyclonic storms in the month of:
a) February and March
b) July and august
c) November and December
d) None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The Coromandel Coast is the Indian subcontinent's southeastern coast zone, bounded to the north by the Utkal Plains, to the east by the Bay of Bengal, to the south by the Kaveri delta, and to the west by the Eastern Ghats, spreading over an area of about 22,800 square kilometers. The northwestern coast of the island of Sri Lanka may also be included in its description. The coast has an average elevation of 80 meters and is supported by a chain of low flat-topped hills called the Eastern Ghats.

Complete answer:
- The sun apparently moves towards the south during October-November. The monsoon trough over the northern plains is becoming weaker during this time. The south-western monsoon winds are weakening and eventually starting to retreat. By the beginning of October, the monsoon will retreat from the northern plains.
- Clear skies and rising temperatures mark the retreat of the monsoon. While temperatures are high during the day, nights are cool and friendly. There is also humidity present. High temperatures and humidity make the conditions during the day very uncomfortable.
- By the second half of October, temperatures in northern India will start to fall rapidly. By early November, low-pressure conditions over northwestern India were heading to the Bay of Bengal. This transition contributes to cyclonic depressions over the Andaman Sea. Usually, these cyclones cross India's eastern shores and cause heavy and widespread rain.
- These cyclones are also likely to hit the Orissa, West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts. These cyclones contribute too much of the Coromandel Coast's rainfall.

Hence, the correct answer is option c).

Note: The term October heat refers to the increase in temperatures across the nation post-monsoon, pre-winter. Most parts of India cool down during the southwest monsoon because of precipitation (rainfall), increased moisture, cloud cover, and sea winds in coastal areas.