New Delhi, June 8 : India recorded its wettest May since 1901, with an average rainfall of 126.7 mm, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This marks a 106% increase over the long-period average of 61.4 mm. The early arrival of the southwest monsoon on May 24, eight days ahead of schedule, led to continuous rainfall across southern and eastern regions.
Key Highlights:
- Central India received 100.9 mm — also the highest since 1901.
- South Peninsular India saw 199.7 mm — the second-highest amount since 1990.
- Northwest India recorded 48.1 mm — 13th highest since 1901.
- East & Northeast India got 242.8 mm — 29th highest since 1901.
The IMD noted 25 subdivisions saw large excess rainfall, while extremely heavy rain (>204.4 mm) hit regions like the West Coast, Assam, Meghalaya, Sub-Himalayan Bengal, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Seven Western Disturbances contributed to frequent storms, gusty winds, and hail across the western and central regions.
Temperatures were below normal, with May averages at 35.08°C (max), 24.07°C (min), and 29.57°C (mean), all lower than the 1991–2020 averages.
