Which of the following causes rainfall in West Bengal during the hot weather season?a)Mango showersb)Kal Baishakhic)Southwest monsoond)Retreating MonsoonCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

The rising temperature in the summer results in low pressure troughs and attracts cyclonic and North West winds which result in rainfall along with thunderstorms in the months of April and May. These are known as Kal Baisakhi or nor-westers.
During this time Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bangladesh and North-Eastern states of India are affected by violent thunderstorms.

Answer

A striking feature of the hot weather season is the loo. These are strong, gusty, hot, dry winds blowing during the day over the north and northwestern India. Sometimes they even continue until late in the evening.Direct exposure to these winds may even prove to be fatal. Dust storms are very common during the month of May in the northern India. These storms bring temporary relief as they lower the temperature and may bring light rain and cool breeze. This is also season for localized thunderstorms, associated with violent winds, torrential downpours, often accompanied by hail. In the West Bengal,these storms are called Kaal Baisakhi.

Answer

Explanation:
West Bengal, located in eastern India, experiences different types of rainfall throughout the year. During the hot weather season, which typically lasts from March to May, there are several factors that contribute to rainfall in the region. However, the most significant cause of rainfall during this season is known as 'Kal Baishakhi.'

Kal Baishakhi:
Kal Baishakhi refers to a type of thunderstorm or squall that occurs during the hot weather season in West Bengal. It is characterized by sudden, intense rainfall accompanied by lightning and strong winds. These thunderstorms are localized and often occur in the late afternoon or evening.

Factors contributing to Kal Baishakhi:
There are several factors that contribute to the occurrence of Kal Baishakhi in West Bengal during the hot weather season. These include:

1. Local heating: As the temperature rises during the hot weather season, the land in West Bengal heats up. This differential heating between land and sea creates localized low-pressure areas, leading to the formation of thunderstorms.

2. Moisture availability: The presence of moisture in the atmosphere is crucial for the formation of thunderstorms. During the hot weather season, the Bay of Bengal provides a significant source of moisture to the region, which combines with the local heating to trigger thunderstorms.

3. Topography: The geographical features of West Bengal, such as the presence of the Himalayas in the north and the Gangetic plains, influence the movement and intensity of thunderstorms. The mountains act as a barrier, forcing the moist air to rise and condense, resulting in rainfall.

4. Convergence of winds: The hot weather season in West Bengal is characterized by the convergence of winds from different directions. These winds, including the southwest monsoon winds and the retreating monsoon winds, interact with the local weather patterns to create favorable conditions for thunderstorm development.

While mango showers, southwest monsoon, and retreating monsoon also contribute to rainfall in West Bengal, they are not specific to the hot weather season. Mango showers occur in June, marking the arrival of the southwest monsoon. The southwest monsoon typically brings rainfall to the region from June to September. The retreating monsoon, which occurs from October to November, also brings some rainfall to West Bengal. However, during the hot weather season, it is the Kal Baishakhi thunderstorms that are the primary cause of rainfall in the region.

In conclusion, Kal Baishakhi thunderstorms are the main cause of rainfall in West Bengal during the hot weather season. Factors such as local heating, moisture availability, topography, and the convergence of winds contribute to the formation of these intense thunderstorms.

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