What would be the influence on the weather conditions when in mid-winter a feeble high pressure develops over the north-western part of India? 1. High and dry winds would blow outward from this high pressure area. 2. The northern plain would become cold. 3. Scorching winds (locally called loo) would blow during the day- time. 4. There would be torrential rains brought by thunderstorms. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

During the mid-winter season in India, a feeble high-pressure region develops over the north-western part of the country [3]. This anticyclonic condition leads to light, dry winds blowing outward from the high-pressure center [1]. These winds are influenced by the local relief and typically move through the Ganga valley from the west and northwest [1]. Consequently, the weather is characterized by clear skies, low humidity, and low temperatures, making the northern plains cold [1]. In contrast, 'Loo' is a characteristic of the summer season (hot weather), consisting of scorching, gusty winds that occur due to low-pressure troughs in May and June [2]. Torrential rains and thunderstorms are also associated with the summer or pre-monsoon period (like Kalbaisakhi) rather than the stable, dry conditions of the winter high-pressure system [3]. Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 correctly describe the winter conditions.

Sources

1. [1] CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: Climate > The Cold Weather Season (Winter) > p. 28
2. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 4: Climate of India > JET STREAM AND INDIAN MONSOON > p. 8
3. [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 4: Climate of India > 2. The Hot Weather Season > p. 21