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Question

Why does the Tamil Nadu coast remain dry during the southwest monsoon?

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2025 Tier 2 Paper 1 Question Paper (19-Jan-2026)
The correct answer is
It is situated parallel to the Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon.

Tamil Nadu Coast Dryness During Southwest Monsoon

The Tamil Nadu coast largely remains dry during the southwest monsoon season (approximately June to September) due to specific geographical and meteorological factors.

Southwest Monsoon Patterns

  • The southwest monsoon primarily brings rain to most parts of India, advancing from the Arabian Sea onto the west coast.
  • The monsoon system also has a branch moving from the Bay of Bengal.

Reason for Dryness on Tamil Nadu Coast

Geographical Orientation: The Tamil Nadu coast is situated on the eastern side of the Indian peninsula.

  • During the southwest monsoon, the winds predominantly blow inland from the Arabian Sea.
  • The Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon typically moves in a northeasterly direction, away from Tamil Nadu, often passing parallel to the coast or moving towards Northeast India and Myanmar.
  • Consequently, the Tamil Nadu coast does not receive significant rainfall from the southwest monsoon. It often lies in a rain shadow region concerning this monsoon current.
  • The region receives its major rainfall later, during the northeast monsoon season (October to December), when the winds reverse direction and blow from land to sea, picking up moisture from the Bay of Bengal and bringing heavy rainfall to the state.

Therefore, the position relative to the Bay of Bengal branch during the southwest monsoon explains the lack of rain.

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Similar Questions

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