New Delhi: May 2025 turned out to be significantly cooler than usual, with the country witnessing the seventh lowest average daytime temperatures for the month since 1901 and the lowest in the last four years, according to a new report by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The average maximum temperature across India in May stood at 35.08°C, while the average minimum was 24.07°C — ranking 59th lowest since 1901. The mean temperature (29.57°C) was also notably lower, making it the 19th lowest in recorded history.
Rainfall breaks century record
IMD officials attributed this unusual coolness to persistent overcast skies and widespread rainfall throughout the month. May 2025 also recorded the highest average rainfall for the month in over a century — 126.7 mm, which is 106.4% of the long-period average. This made it the wettest May since recordkeeping began in 1901.
Additionally, the country saw a sharp increase in extreme weather events: 1,053 heavy rain events (64.5–115.5 mm), 262 very heavy (115.6–204.5 mm), and 39 extremely heavy rain events (above 204.5 mm). Only 2021 had a slightly higher number of extremely heavy rain events at 42.
Multiple factors behind dip
According to OP Sreejith, head of IMD’s Climate Monitoring and Prediction Group, the unusually wet and cool May was caused by three main factors: early arrival of the monsoon, two depressions—one each over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, and an unusual persistence of western disturbances (WDs).
Central India saw particularly low temperatures, with average daytime temperatures at 36.63°C, the third lowest since 1901. Its average minimum temperature was the 12th lowest and the mean temperature was also the third lowest since records began.
In northwest India, May was marked by repeated western disturbances—cyclonic systems from the Mediterranean Sea that typically impact the region in winter. Their continued presence through late May has led to intense thunderstorm activity, according to IMD Director General M Mohapatra. However, monsoon progress has stalled and remains limited to parts of central and eastern India.
