India Sees Highest Rainfall In 124 Years, Delhi Reports Coolest Temperatures

India witnesses its highest rainfall in 124 years, with Delhi experiencing its wettest and coolest May since 1901. An early arrival of monsoon and changing weather patterns has led to the seventh-lowest average maximum temperature in 2025. 

Delhi Sees Coolest May In 124 Years 

As per the report published in Hindustan Times, New Delhi saw its coolest May since 1901(over a century!), as it recorded the seventh lowest daytime temperature for the month and the lowest in the last four years, according to the India Meteorological Department’s temperature and rainfall report. It was also reported that the night-time temperatures were considerably low, standing at the 59th lowest average minimum for the month since 1901.

As per Hindustan Times, the IMD report also stated that, over India, the average maximum temperature of 35.08 °C was recorded as the 7th lowest, while the average minimum temperature of  24.07 °C was marked as the 59th lowest. Plus, the mean temperature of 29.57 °C was recorded as the 19th lowest since 1901.

Also Read: Goa Paralyzed By Heavy Rainfall, Flash Floods, And Landslides; Tourist Sites Closed For Safety

Highest Rainfall In India Due To Changing Weather Patterns 

The IMD report also states that May saw an average rainfall of 126.7 mm across India, the highest since 1901. Moreover, the month of May this year also recorded the highest number of heavy rain events (64.5 to 115.5 mm) at 1,053, very heavy (115.6 to 204.5 mm) rain at 262 and extremely heavy (more than 204.5 mm) rain events at 39 in the last five years except 2021, which recorded the heaviest rain events at 42, as per Hindustan Times.

Talking about this, O. P. Sreejith, scientist and head of the Climate Monitoring and Prediction Group, IMD, cited various reasons like overcast skies and early arrival of monsoon for these unpredictable rain events. He also mentioned other reasons, like depressions formed over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. He also cited that western disturbances have also impacted northern India, as per news published in Hindustan Times.

Coldest May In The Past Few Years 

According to IMD data reported in Hindustan Times, the coolest May on record was in 1917, with the average maximum temperature across the country at 33.09 °C. May 1933 followed with an average daytime temperature of 34.10°. Apart from that, other notable cool temperatures in the past years include 1977 with 34.88°C, 2021 with 34.93°C, 1971 with 35.05°C and 1920 with 34.98°C. 

Also Read: Heavy Rainfall Lashes Tripura; 400+ Houses Damaged, Electricity Disrupted & 2 Injured

As per reports, May has been unusually cool for northwest India. Western disturbances and Mediterranean cyclones may have brought winter rains to India earlier. 

The onset of early monsoon might be a relief now, but it could certainly bring harm in future. Changing weather conditions, sudden thunderstorms, and heavy rains can significantly impact the overall weather of the country.

Cover Image Courtesy: Pixabay/ Franz26 (Image used for representation)