Bengaluru records highest cumulative rainfall for May

Bengaluru received a record 307.9 mm of rainfall between May 1 and May 26 (up to 11.30 a.m.) | Photo Credit: Murali Kumar K

The pre-monsoon showers, which have been lashing Bengaluru for the last few days, have resulted in the city recording its highest cumulative rainfall for the month of May. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bengaluru received a record 307.9 mm of rainfall between May 1 and May 26 (up to 11.30 a.m.).

The previous highest recorded rainfall for the month of May was 305.4 mm in 2023.

Data for current decade

According to IMD data, the five highest-monthly-rainfall recorded for the month of May fall within the current decade. Apart from the record rainfall in May 2025 and May 2023, the city received 270.4 mm in May 2022, 241.9 mm in May 2017, and 239.8 mm rainfall in May 2018.

Last week, Bengaluru received a staggering 105.5 mm rainfall in a 24-hour period (between 8.30 a.m. of May 18 and 8.30 a.m. of  May 19), which is the second highest since 2011.

In May 2022, Bengaluru recorded 114.6 mm rainfall. The all-time record for May is 153. 9 mm recorded on May 6, 1909.

Monsoon advances

As the southwest monsoon advancing over several districts, the IMD has said that conditions are favourable for further advance of the monsoon into some more parts of Karnataka, including Bengaluru, during the next couple of days. Bengaluru is expected to receive more rainfall upon the arrival of the southwest monsoon.

Published - May 26, 2025 12:23 pm IST