Why does the Tamil Nadu coast remain dry during the southwest monsoon?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. It is situated parallel to the Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon.
During the Southwest Monsoon (June–September), the Tamil Nadu coast remains dry for two main reasons. First, it lies in the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats, which block the moisture-laden Arabian Sea branch. Second, the Bay of Bengal branch flows parallel to the Tamil Nadu coastline rather than striking it directly. Consequently, the winds do not lose their moisture over this region, leaving it dry while most of India receives heavy rainfall.