Explanation: Delhi, the capital city of India, is known for its extreme climate, which is characterized by significant temperature variations between summer and winter. The climate of Delhi is classified as a semi-arid climate, which is also known as a steppe climate. This type of climate is marked by hot summers and cold winters, with minimal rainfall throughout the year.
In the summer months, which typically last from April to June, Delhi experiences extremely high temperatures. The average maximum temperature during this period can exceed 40°C, making it one of the hottest cities in India. The heat is exacerbated by the lack of significant rainfall, which leads to dry and dusty conditions. The summer season is followed by the monsoon season, which lasts from July to September. However, the rainfall in Delhi is relatively low compared to other parts of India, and it does not significantly moderate the temperature.
The winter season in Delhi, which lasts from November to February, is marked by cold temperatures. The average minimum temperature during this period can drop below 10°C, and sometimes even below freezing. The cold is often accompanied by fog, which can reduce visibility and cause transportation disruptions. The winter season is followed by the pre-monsoon season, which lasts from March to May, and is characterized by increasing temperatures and occasional dust storms.
The extreme climate of Delhi is a result of its geographical location and the influence of the monsoon system. Delhi is located in the northern part of India, in the Indo-Gangetic plain, which is a region that experiences significant temperature variations. The city is also influenced by the monsoon system, which brings some rainfall during the summer months, but not enough to moderate the temperature significantly.
In contrast, other cities in India, such as Shillong, Bengaluru, and Chennai, have different climate types. Shillong, located in the northeastern part of India, has a subtropical highland climate with moderate temperatures and high rainfall. Bengaluru, located in the southern part of India, has a tropical savanna climate with warm temperatures and a distinct wet and dry season. Chennai, located on the southeastern coast of India, has a tropical wet and dry climate with hot and humid summers and a monsoon season.
Therefore, among the given options, Delhi is the correct answer as it experiences an extreme type of climate with significant temperature variations between summer and winter, making it stand out from the other cities listed.