India's southwest monsoon in 2025 concluded with above-normal rainfall, significantly impacting various regions across the country. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the monsoon delivered 108% of the long-period average (LPA). This marks the second consecutive year within the last decade to record above-normal rainfall.
The monsoon's arrival was early, first observed over the south Andaman Sea and Nicobar Islands on May 13, 2025, which is seven days ahead of the usual date. It reached Kerala around May 24, 2025, eight days earlier than normal, and covered the entire Indian subcontinent by June 29, 2025, a full 16 days ahead of the typical schedule. The monsoon withdrew from India on October 16, 2025, one day later than its normal withdrawal date.
Nearly half of India experienced extreme rainfall during the monsoon season, affecting approximately 45% of the nation's landmass. This extreme weather led to 2,277 reported incidents of floods and heavy rainfall, tragically resulting in 1,528 fatalities. There were also 59 river flood breaches across nine major river basins, marking the third-highest number of such events since 2020. Several river basins, which had been relatively inactive for years, saw a resurgence in water levels. During the monsoon, 55 sites recorded instances of Highest Flood Level (HFL) breaches, with a total of 59 breach events, as some sites experienced multiple breaches.
The distribution of rainfall was uneven. Northwest India recorded its wettest season since 2001, with a 27% surplus in rainfall. Ladakh experienced an unprecedented 342% excess, while Rajasthan reported 60–70% above-normal rains. Conversely, East and Northeast India faced a 20% rainfall deficit, with Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Bihar being the most affected. The core monsoon zone, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, also registered strong rainfall, with Gujarat recording 25% above-normal precipitation.
Of India's 727 districts, 328 recorded normal rainfall, 186 experienced excess rainfall, and 67 reported large excess. However, 134 districts faced a deficit, and 67 experienced a severe shortfall.
Experts suggest that climate change is a significant factor influencing these shifting monsoon patterns. They point to fewer rainy days but more intense rainfall episodes. Some meteorologists attribute the surge in extreme rainfall to a combination of warming oceans, altered wind patterns, and increased atmospheric moisture. The Arabian Sea, in particular, is much warmer, leading to massive water vapor, fueling torrential rains.
The heavy rainfall led to significant loss of life, particularly in Madhya Pradesh (290 deaths), Uttar Pradesh (201), Himachal Pradesh (141), and Jammu & Kashmir (139). The monsoon's variability was notable, with excess or large excess rainfall occurring in 14 out of the 18 monsoon weeks.
