India Experiences Extreme Monsoon, Climate Change Responsible for Patterns

Strategic Insights -

The 2025 monsoon in India was the second consecutive year of above-normal rainfall, with nearly half of the country experiencing extreme rainfall. The southwest monsoon concluded at 108% of the long-period average, resulting in 2,277 flood and heavy rainfall incidents, 59 river breaches, and 1,528 fatalities. Climate experts attribute the intense monsoon patterns primarily to climate change, rather than El Nino or La Nina cycles. Northwest India recorded its wettest season since 2001, while East and Northeast India experienced a 20% deficit.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2025 monsoon in India was characterized by extreme rainfall, with 45% of the country's landmass affected, and over 1,500 lives lost.
  • Climate change is now considered the primary cause of intense monsoon patterns, rather than El Nino or La Nina cycles.
  • The southwest monsoon concluded at 108% of the long-period average (LPA), marking an excess season dominated by concentrated downpours.
  • Northwest India recorded its wettest season since 2001, with Rajasthan seeing 60-70% above-normal rainfall and Ladakh registering an unprecedented 342% surplus.
  • East and Northeast India experienced a 20% deficit in rainfall, particularly affecting Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Bihar.
  • Central India, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, reported mostly normal to excess rainfall, with Gujarat seeing a 25% rise.
  • The Arabian Sea is warming, providing massive water vapor that fuels torrential rains, according to Mahesh Palawat, VP of Meteorology and Climate Change at Skymet Weather.
  • The Himalayan region faces heightened risks due to warming, with glacier retreat and increasing flash flood threats.
  • Studies indicate that warming across the Middle East contributes to nearly 46% of extreme rainfall in Northwest India and Pakistan.

Statistics:

  • 45% of India's landmass was affected by extreme rainfall in 2025.
  • 1,528 fatalities were reported due to floods and heavy rainfall incidents in 2025.
  • 2,277 flood and heavy rainfall incidents were recorded in 2025.
  • The southwest monsoon concluded at 108% of the long-period average (LPA) in 2025.
  • Northwest India received 60-70% above-normal rainfall in 2025, while Ladakh saw an unprecedented 342% surplus.
  • East and Northeast India experienced a 20% deficit in rainfall in 2025.
  • Central India reported mostly normal to excess rainfall in 2025, with Gujarat seeing a 25% rise.

Sources:

  • Climate Trends
  • India Meteorological Department (IMD)
  • Skymet Weather
  • Indian Institute of Geomagnetism
  • IISER Pune
  • Herald Goa