Delhi has experienced its wettest May on record, while several states in India are under red alert due to heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings and advisories for various regions, urging residents and authorities to take necessary precautions.
Delhi's Record-Breaking Rainfall
Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) witnessed unprecedented rainfall in May 2025, making it the wettest May since 1901. The city recorded 188.9 mm of rainfall between May 1 and May 30, surpassing the previous record of 165 mm set in May 2008. On May 25, Delhi received 81.4 mm of rain in just a few hours, marking the second-highest 24-hour rainfall in May since 2021. The heavy downpour led to widespread waterlogging, uprooted trees, and disrupted flight operations at Delhi Airport. The temperature at the Safdarjung observatory plummeted by 10 degrees Celsius within 75 minutes during one intense storm.
Meteorologists attributed the extreme weather to the convergence of moist southeasterly winds and dry westerlies, intensified by western disturbances and cyclonic circulations. While the IMD has not issued any color-coded alerts for the coming days in Delhi, it forecasts occasional light rain and thunderstorms accompanied by winds of up to 50 kmph.
Red Alerts Issued for Several States
The IMD has issued red alerts for several states, including Kerala, Assam, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, due to heavy to very heavy rainfall. These alerts signify the highest level of caution, indicating exceptionally heavy rainfall that could have widespread impacts.
In Kerala, eight districts—Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Kannur, and Kasaragod—are under red alert for extremely heavy rainfall (above 20 cm in 24 hours). All the remaining six districts are on orange alert for isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall. Houses in low-lying areas have been flooded, and strong winds have uprooted trees, damaged homes, and caused power disruptions. The southwest monsoon arrived early in Kerala this year, on May 24, a full week ahead of schedule.
The IMD has also issued red alerts for several northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in these states, with the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas.
Impact and Preparedness
The heavy rainfall has caused widespread damage and disruptions in the affected states. Houses have been flooded, trees have been uprooted, and power supply has been disrupted. Landslides have also been reported in some areas.
State authorities have swung into action, activating emergency response systems and opening relief camps. Ministers are on the ground assessing vulnerable zones, and efforts are underway to clear encroachments in flood-prone areas. The IMD has advised residents to stay updated with local weather reports and advisories, avoid non-essential travel during heavy rainfall periods, and ensure emergency kits are prepared.
