Delhi is further away from equator then Chennai but summer in Chennai is not as hot in Delhi
Delhi is further away from equator then Chennai but summer in Chennai is not as hot in Delhi
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Delhi is farther from the equator than Chennai, yet summers in Delhi are hotter than in Chennai due to differences in geography, climate type, and distance from the sea.
Explanation
At first glance, it might seem logical that places closer to the equator would be hotter, especially during summer. While this is generally true, several other factors also influence a region’s climate and temperature. In this case, Chennai, located at a lower latitude than Delhi and thus closer to the equator, actually experiences milder summers compared to Delhi. The key reasons for this include climate type, proximity to the sea, and geographical features.
Chennai lies on the southeastern coast of India along the Bay of Bengal. It has a tropical coastal climate, which is characterized by high humidity and moderate temperatures throughout the year. The sea acts as a temperature moderator—absorbing heat during the day and releasing it slowly at night. This moderating effect ensures that temperature fluctuations are not extreme. Hence, Chennai has warm but relatively stable temperatures in summer, typically ranging between 30°C to 38°C.
In contrast, Delhi is located inland in northern India and has a continental climate. This type of climate is marked by greater temperature extremes, both in summer and winter. Being far from the moderating influence of the sea, Delhi heats up significantly during the summer months. The presence of hot, dry winds (known as loo) further intensifies the heat. Summer temperatures in Delhi can soar above 45°C, making it one of the hottest cities in India during May and June.
In conclusion, even though Delhi is farther from the equator than Chennai, it experiences hotter summers due to its continental location, lack of coastal moderation, and dry climate conditions, whereas Chennai’s coastal location helps it stay comparatively cooler in summer despite its proximity to the equator.
