RAS question
The 'October Heat' in India refers to:
Correct answer: (A) High temperatures and humidity during the monsoon withdrawal period in October.
October Heat in India is the hot, humid and oppressive weather experienced in October during the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon.
Explanation
October Heat belongs to the retreating monsoon phase, not to a separate heat-wave season. NCERT explains that by early September the southwest monsoon begins to withdraw from north-western India, and that October-November form the transition from the hot rainy season to dry winter conditions. As skies clear, temperature rises, the land remains moist, and high humidity makes the weather oppressive; temperatures can still be around 30-35°C. This is why the phrase points specifically to high temperature plus humidity during monsoon withdrawal, with the weather easing as the northeast monsoon phase sets in.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Volcanic heat is unrelated to the seasonal withdrawal of the southwest monsoon and does not explain the humid October weather described by NCERT.
- (C) A heat wave in October would mean an abnormal hot spell, whereas October Heat is the regular hot-and-humid discomfort of the retreating monsoon period.
- (D) Forest fires in October do not follow from the monsoon-withdrawal mechanism of clear skies, moist land and high humidity.
Concept
This tests the annual rhythm of Indian monsoon seasons, especially the retreating monsoon. RAS repeatedly asks such terms because they link seasonal winds, humidity, temperature and regional weather in one compact concept.