Question

Give reasons for the following.

Delhi experiences a higher annual range of temperature than Mumbai.

Answer 1

1. Maritime moderation at Mumbai: The Arabian Sea stores and releases heat slowly, so coastal Mumbai warms and cools less through the year; this reduces both summer maxima and winter minima. Coastal locations therefore show a smaller annual temperature range.
2. Continental location of Delhi: Being far from the sea, Delhi’s land surface heats up strongly in summer and cools strongly in winter, producing larger seasonal extremes (higher highs in summer and lower lows in winter)
3. Humidity and cloud/sea-breeze effects in Mumbai: Higher humidity, persistent sea breezes and greater cloudiness near the coast limit daytime heating and nighttime cooling, compressing seasonal differences.
4. Desert/wind influences around Delhi: Hot, dry inland winds (the “loo” from the Thar region) and clear-sky conditions in summer increase daytime heating; clear, dry winter nights allow strong cooling both factors widen Delhi’s annual range.