Delhi is experiencing an unusual weather pattern in May 2025, marked by record-breaking rainfall and a welcome absence of heatwaves. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. This alert follows a series of intense weather events that have led to May 2025 being the wettest May on record for the city.
The city has recorded unprecedented rainfall this month. As of May 30, 2025, Delhi had already received 188.9 mm of rain, surpassing the previous record of 165 mm set in May 2008. This remarkable amount of rainfall is more than six times the average for May, which typically hovers around 20-30 mm. The heavy downpours have been accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, contributing to the overall impact. On May 25, the city experienced 81.4 mm of rain in just a few hours, categorized as "heavy" rainfall, and the second-highest 24-hour rainfall recorded in May since 2021.
In contrast to the frequent thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, Delhi has not experienced any heatwave days in May 2025. This is a stark contrast to May 2024, which saw six heatwave days. The absence of heatwaves has provided a respite from the scorching summer temperatures usually associated with this time of year.
The weather conditions have resulted in widespread waterlogging, uprooted trees, and power outages across the city. Flight operations at Delhi Airport were disrupted. Commuters are advised to check for road closures and transport delays before traveling. Authorities in Delhi and neighboring territories are prepared to manage any emergencies that may arise due to the severe weather.
The IMD has attributed the extreme weather to a combination of factors, including the convergence of moist southeasterly winds and dry westerlies, intensified by weather systems such as western disturbances and cyclonic circulations. These conditions have led to frequent thunderstorms and rainfall events throughout the month.
While Delhi has experienced record-breaking rainfall in May, experts suggest that the city might not face intense monsoon rains like other parts of India. Analysis of monsoon data from 2011 to 2024 indicates that Delhi typically experiences only two to three heavy rain days per monsoon season. Despite predictions of an above-normal monsoon for the Delhi-Haryana-Chandigarh subdivision, this may not necessarily translate into frequent cloudbursts or relentless downpours for the capital.
The current weather patterns are also linked to the early advancement of the southwest monsoon. The monsoon reached Kerala on May 24 and Mumbai on May 26, both ahead of schedule. While the normal monsoon onset date for Delhi is around June 27, the IMD is closely monitoring its progress.
