Analyze the geographical and meteorological factors governing the retreating monsoon season in India: 1. The southwest monsoon winds begin to withdraw from the subcontinent as the low-pressure trough over north-west India weakens. 2. The months of October and November experience humid and sultry weather conditions known locally as 'October heat'. 3. Tropical cyclones originating in the Arabian Sea frequently strike the western coast of Tamil Nadu during this transition period. Which of the statements given above are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Statement 1 is correct because the southward shift of the solar thermal equator weakens the northern low-pressure trough, initiating monsoon withdrawal. Statement 2 is correct because high daytime temperatures combined with high atmospheric humidity during October create uncomfortable sultry weather known as October heat. Statement 3 is incorrect because tropical cyclones during this season develop predominantly in the Bay of Bengal and affect the eastern coast, including Tamil Nadu, rather than the Arabian Sea. Monsoon withdrawal proceeds progressively from north to south.