New Delhi [India], June 8: India witnessed its wettest May in 124 years, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting an average rainfall of 126.7 mm, the highest recorded for the month since 1901. This historic rainfall was driven by the early onset of the southwest monsoon, which brought persistent showers across southern and eastern India.
In a post on X, IMD stated:
“The average monthly rainfall for May 2025 over All-India (126.7 mm) and Central India (100.9 mm) was highest since 1901.”
106% Above Long Period Average
According to the IMD, the country received 106% more rainfall than the Long Period Average (LPA) of 61.4 mm for May. The rainfall performance broke multiple regional records:
- South Peninsular India received 199.7 mm, the second-highest since 1901, just behind 1990’s 201.4 mm.
- Central India recorded 100.9 mm, also the highest ever for May.
- Northwest India saw 48.1 mm, its 13th highest since 1901 and 4th highest since 2001.
- East & Northeast India recorded 242.8 mm, its 29th highest since 1901 and 4th highest since 2001.
Subdivision-Wise Rainfall Status
- 25 subdivisions recorded large excess rainfall.
- 5 subdivisions had excess rainfall.
- 6 subdivisions received normal rainfall.
Extreme Rainfall Hotspots
Extremely heavy rainfall (>204.4 mm) was recorded in:
- West Coast, Assam-Meghalaya, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Madhya Maharashtra, and South Interior Karnataka.
Very heavy rainfall (115.6–204.4 mm) occurred in:
- Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, East Rajasthan, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Marathwada, North Interior Karnataka, Rayalaseema, Saurashtra-Kutch, Telangana, Vidarbha, and West Madhya Pradesh.
Heavy rainfall (64.5–115.5 mm) affected:
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, East Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh (East & West), Gangetic West Bengal, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Lakshadweep, Odisha, and Uttarakhand.
Weather Disturbances and Temperature
Seven Western Disturbances (WDs) were recorded, contributing to frequent thunderstorms, gusty winds, and hailstorms across the Western Himalayas, central India, and northwestern plains.
Notably, despite high rainfall, temperatures remained below normal.
- Average Maximum: 35.08°C (normal: 36.60°C)
- Average Minimum: 24.07°C (normal: 24.17°C)
- Mean Temperature: 29.57°C (normal: 30.38°C)
Early Monsoon Arrival
The Southwest Monsoon hit Kerala on May 24, eight days ahead of the typical onset date of June 1, aiding in the record-breaking precipitation totals.