QUE: Describe the climate of Gujarat in terms of the factors affecting it.

The climate of Gujarat is affected by some local and some broad factors, such factors include geographical location, unique shape of Gujarat, topography, vegetation etc.

• Factors affecting the climate of Gujarat:

• Latitudinal location/geographical location: Since Gujarat is spread between 20 and 40 north latitudes, the Tropic of Cancer passes almost through its middle. It is surrounded by deserts and semi-desert regions (Kutch, Banaskantha) with arid climatic conditions.
• Since a large part of Gujarat is located in the tropics, the summer temperature remains high and the winter temperature does not go much lower.
• Unique shape: Gujarat is a region divided into three land units namely Talgujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch. In the narrow part of Tal Gujarat, the influence of the sea is felt deep inland, hence these regions experience less heat in summer than other regions (Central or North Gujarat) and moderate cold in winter (less extreme climate) and more rainfall.
• Due to the greater width of Tal Gujarat, the influence of the sea does not reach far, and therefore the climate is extreme. In Kutch and Saurashtra, the climate is also extreme in the interior, except for the coastal region.
• Landform: The mountain ranges, plains, etc. of Gujarat also affect the climate. The mountain ranges like Aravalli, Vindhya, Satpura of Tal Gujarat bring more rainfall by stopping the humid winds. Hence, dense forests are seen here.
• Between this hilly region and the coastal region lies the vast plain of Tal Gujarat, which is narrow in the south and wide in the north, and a continental climate is experienced in the north. The Gir hills in the central part of Saurashtra provide more rainfall.
• Vegetation: Due to the density of vegetation in the forests of Gir and the forest areas in the regions from Sabarmati to Narmada, the heat remains low and the rainfall increases.
• Other comprehensive factors: Since most of Gujarat is in the tropics, Gujarat also experiences a hot summer and mild winter climate like the regions in its upper latitudes. In addition, the sun’s rays (direct or oblique) affect the changes in seasons such as summer and winter.
• In addition, the effect of seasonal winds that change according to the season can be seen on the climate.

Thus, due to the above various factors, there is diversity in the climate of Gujarat.