Explanations:Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, is renowned for its exceptionally high rainfall. This phenomenon is primarily due to its geographical location and the influence of the monsoon winds. The city is situated in the Khasi Hills, which are part of the Meghalaya plateau. The Khasi Hills are known for their high rainfall, with Cherrapunji, a nearby town, often cited as one of the wettest places on Earth, receiving an average annual rainfall of around 1200 cm.
The monsoon winds, which are a significant climatic feature in India, play a crucial role in the high rainfall in Shillong. As these winds move from the Bay of Bengal towards the northeastern part of India, they encounter the Khasi Hills. The hills force the moist air to rise, cool, and condense, leading to heavy rainfall. This process, known as orographic lifting, is responsible for the high precipitation levels in the region.
Shillong's climate is characterized by a subtropical highland climate, which is influenced by the monsoon winds. The city experiences a distinct wet season from May to September, during which the majority of the annual rainfall occurs. The rest of the year is relatively dry, with occasional showers.
It is important to note that while other cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata also experience significant rainfall, particularly during the monsoon season, they do not match the rainfall levels of Shillong. Mumbai, for instance, has an average annual rainfall of around 216 cm, Chennai around 120 cm, and Kolkata around 185 cm. These figures are considerably lower than Shillong's average annual rainfall of around 1200 cm.
Understanding the geographical and climatic factors that contribute to the high rainfall in Shillong is essential for comprehending the unique weather patterns in the northeastern part of India. This knowledge is particularly useful for students preparing for competitive examinations that include questions on Indian geography and climate.