A Monsoon Preview? May 2025 Makes History with Torrential Turn

India just wrapped up its wettest May in 124 years, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting a staggering 126.7 mm of rainfall across the country last month. This historic downpour, sparked by an early onset of the southwest monsoon and a series of western disturbances, brought a refreshing break from the usual summer heat, replacing it with widespread rain and cooler-than-average temperatures in many areas.

 

Key Highlights

 

•⁠  ⁠In May 2025, there were 1,053 heavy rainfall events, marking the highest number for the month since 2021, particularly along the west coast, in the northeast, and northern India.

 

•⁠  ⁠India experienced its highest May rainfall ever recorded at 100.9 mm since 1901, while southern peninsular India had its second wettest May in 124 years, with 199.7 mm.

 

•⁠  ⁠The southwest monsoon made an early appearance on May 13, and the ongoing western disturbances contributed to a rainfall surge that pushed pre-monsoon levels 42% above normal.

 

•⁠  ⁠Average maximum temperatures in central and southern India dropped over 2°C below normal, providing a rare sense of relief during the peak summer months.

 

Outlook

 

With the monsoon already in full swing, the IMD predicts above-normal rainfall for central and southern India through September, although some northwestern and northeastern areas might experience less rain than usual. This exceptional rainfall in May hints at a changing climate pattern, which could have significant effects on agriculture, water management, and urban planning across the nation.

 

Source: Indian Express, Down To Earth, Times of India