When does the wet season occur?

The wet season is defined as the period when rainfall significantly surpasses evapotranspiration. This means that the amount of precipitation received is greater than the amount of water that is evaporated into the atmosphere and transpired by plants. During this time, the soil becomes saturated, and water accumulates, which can lead to conditions ideal for plant growth, higher water levels in rivers and reservoirs, and increased humidity. Therefore, the defining characteristic of a wet season is the sufficient replenishment of water resources due to high rainfall.

The other choices do not accurately capture when the wet season occurs. While high temperatures might coincide with wet seasons in some regions, they are not a defining factor. Similarly, the implication that the wet season occurs exclusively during winter months or only during monsoon periods is not universally accurate, as the timing of wet seasons can vary widely based on geographic location and climatic conditions. Thus, the correct response centers on the relationship between rainfall and evapotranspiration, which is the fundamental criteria for identifying the wet season.