In the summer season (around mid-July), the surface low-pressure belt, known as the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), shifts northward to lie roughly parallel to the Himalayas between __________.

The Correct answer is 20º N and 25º N.

Key Points

• During the summer season, the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) shifts northward due to the intense heating of the Indian landmass.
• The ITCZ is a low-pressure belt that plays a crucial role in the development of the Indian monsoon system.
• In mid-July, this low-pressure belt lies approximately between 20º N and 25º N, running parallel to the Himalayas.
• This northward shift is essential for attracting the southwest monsoon winds, which are laden with moisture and bring significant rainfall to India.
• The ITCZ is a region where the trade winds from both hemispheres converge, leading to intense weather phenomena such as thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
• Its position in mid-July is influenced by the , which is at its peak over the Indian subcontinent during this time.
• The shifting of the ITCZ is vital for the onset and continuation of the monsoon, which is a lifeline for agriculture and water resources in India.