Delhi just smashed its wettest May record with a whopping 186.4 mm of rainfall, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
That beats the previous high of 165 mm set back in 2008. This May hasn’t been a gentle shower affair — it brought four major storms, violent winds, and serious waterlogging that disrupted daily life and flights alike.
What does this mean for the average Delhiite? Well, aside from soggy shoes and canceled plans, the city saw fallen trees, broken streetlights, and, sadly, 12 deaths caused by storm damage. Imagine your regular May summer, but with more drama and less sunshine.
Why So Many Storms in May?
Experts point fingers at a messy weather cocktail mixing “western disturbances,” cyclonic circulations, and high humidity. Western disturbances are low-pressure systems that usually bring rain in winter or pre-monsoon seasons. This May, they showed up more often than usual, like an uninvited guest overstaying their welcome.
VIDEO | Delhi rains: The road leading Terminal 3 of IGI Airport is still waterlogged causing inconvenience to travellers. #Delhi #DelhiWeather #Delhirains pic.twitter.com/01O0Q018Dv
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 25, 2025
These systems collided with moist winds from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, creating a volatile atmosphere ripe for thunderstorms.
For example, on May 26 alone, three weather systems came together over northwest India, sparking a thunderstorm that dropped 81.4 mm of rain in a few hours and gusty winds of 82 kmph. That’s enough to turn your calm evening into a sudden weather thriller.
Also Read Bengaluru Rain Turns Deadly: 3 Lives Lost in a Single Day
May’s Weather: A Climate Change Preview?
Meteorologists are increasingly linking these unusual storm patterns to climate change. The IMD’s Director General, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, warned that if these trends continue, it may be a clear sign of changing climate dynamics affecting northern India.
With rising temperatures and higher moisture in the air, the energy for storms is increasing. This makes May, traditionally a hot, dry month, suddenly unpredictable.
What’s Next?
The good news? No severe weather alerts for now. The IMD expects scattered light rains and thunderstorms with milder winds up to 50 kmph through the week. Temperatures have also dipped below normal, giving Delhi a cool break from the usual May scorch.
But the bigger question remains: Are these extreme storms just a one-off, or the new normal? The city and its people need to prepare for more wild weather, because the “wettest May” title might not stay unique for long.
Also Read Kolkata Weather: Heavy Rain Expected Between Wednesday and Friday, Warns Met Office
