Why Was This One Of The Coolest Mays On Record Since 1901?

Last Updated:June 03, 2025, 19:46 IST

Unusual weather kept Delhi’s daytime temperatures well below normal, with May’s average maximum at 35.08°C — the seventh lowest recorded since 1901

India recorded its highest-ever average May rainfall since 1901. (Representative/PTI)

In an unusual turn of events, the month of May 2025 in Delhi and across India was marked by unexpected weather patterns, featuring rain, clouds and cold winds instead of the typical scorching sun and heat waves.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the country experienced the highest average rainfall for May since records began in 1901, with 126.7 mm of rainfall recorded.

This unprecedented weather also kept daytime temperatures in Delhi significantly below normal, with the average maximum temperature at 35.08 degrees Celsius, the seventh lowest since 1901. Night temperatures also remained low, making it the 59th coldest May on record.

Unusual Heavy Rain Incidents

The unusual weather patterns resulted in substantial rainfall across almost all states, with numerous instances of heavy and very heavy rainfall. The IMD reported 1053 incidents of heavy rain (64.5–115.5 mm), 262 incidents of very heavy rain (115.6–204.5 mm), and 39 incidents of exceptionally heavy rain (more than 204.5 mm), marking the highest figures in the last five years, with the exception of 2021.

Why Did This Happen?

IMD scientist OP Srijit attributed this anomaly to three primary factors: the early arrival of the monsoon, the formation of two depressions in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, and the continuous impact of Western Disturbances.

Western Disturbances

Western disturbances typically impact North India during the winter months, from December to February. However, this year they remained active through the end of May, resulting in frequent rain and storms across the region. According to IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the monsoon has not yet reached northwestern India, and western disturbances are still influencing the weather. This, he said, is the reason behind the sudden spells of heavy rain and storms in Delhi and neighbouring states.

When Was The Coldest May Of The Century?

According to the IMD, the coldest May of the century was in 1917, with an average temperature of 33.09°C. Since then, May temperatures have remained below 35°C in years such as 1933, 1977, 2021, 1920, and 1971. May 2025 has now also been added to this list.

Location :

Delhi, India, India

First Published:

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