Which type(s) of cyclones cause rainfall in north-western India during winter? Where do they originate?
Weak temperate cyclones (also called shallow cyclonic depressions) cause rainfall in north-western India during winter. They originate over the Mediterranean Sea (specifically the east Mediterranean Sea) and travel eastwards across West Asia, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan before reaching northwestern India.
Explanation
The textbook clearly states that during winters, the pleasant weather conditions in India get disturbed by shallow cyclonic depressions originating over the east Mediterranean Sea. These are referred to as 'weak temperate cyclones' in the context. They cause rainfall in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh. The moisture content gets augmented from the Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf on their journey. This winter rainfall, though meagre, is beneficial for rabi crops.