Why Was This One Of The Coolest Mays On Record Since 1901?
Last Updated:
Unusual weather kept Delhi's daytime temperatures well below normal, with May's average maximum at 35.08°C — the seventh lowest recorded since 1901
In an unusual turn of events, the month of May 2025 in Delhi and across India was marked by unexpected weather patterns, featuring rain, clouds and cold winds instead of the typical scorching sun and heat waves.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the country experienced the highest average rainfall for May since records began in 1901, with 126.7 mm of rainfall recorded.
This unprecedented weather also kept daytime temperatures in Delhi significantly below normal, with the average maximum temperature at 35.08 degrees Celsius, the seventh lowest since 1901. Night temperatures also remained low, making it the 59th coldest May on record.
The unusual weather patterns resulted in substantial rainfall across almost all states, with numerous instances of heavy and very heavy rainfall. The IMD reported 1053 incidents of heavy rain (64.5–115.5 mm), 262 incidents of very heavy rain (115.6–204.5 mm), and 39 incidents of exceptionally heavy rain (more than 204.5 mm), marking the highest figures in the last five years, with the exception of 2021.
Why Did This Happen?
IMD scientist OP Srijit attributed this anomaly to three primary factors: the early arrival of the monsoon, the formation of two depressions in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, and the continuous impact of Western Disturbances.
When Was The Coldest May Of The Century?
According to the IMD, the coldest May of the century was in 1917, with an average temperature of 33.09°C. Since then, May temperatures have remained below 35°C in years such as 1933, 1977, 2021, 1920, and 1971. May 2025 has now also been added to this list.
Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!
First Published:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
Over 1.5 million foreign pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia for Hajj
More than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims are in Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj, a government spokesperson said Wednesday. Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a religious obligation involving rituals and acts of worship that every Muslim must fulfil if they have the money and are physically able to do it. Hajj Ministry spokesperson Ghassan Al-Nuwaimi provided an approximate number for foreigners at this year's pilgrimage. He did not say how many domestic pilgrims were taking part. Last year, there were 1,611,310 pilgrims from outside the country. On Wednesday, pilgrims streamed into Arafat, some making the journey on foot, carrying their luggage through temperatures nudging 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Others carried the elderly. People paused to sit on the ground to rest or eat before heading to their camps. Mount Arafat, a rocky hill southeast of Mecca, holds immense significance in Islam. Arafat is mentioned in the Quran and it is where the Prophet Muhammad is said to have given his last sermon on his final Hajj. According to traditional sayings of the prophet, the Day of Arafat is the most sacred day of the year, when God draws near to the faithful and forgives their sins. Pilgrims remain in Arafat, in prayer and reflection, from after midnight until after sunset. After sunset Thursday, pilgrims will go to the desert plain of Muzdalifah to collect pebbles, which they will use in a ritual. Saudi Arabia has spent billions of dollars on crowd control and safety measures, but the mass of participants makes ensuring their safety difficult. One of the greatest challenges at the Hajj in recent years has been the heat. Earlier in the week, Health Minister Fahad bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel told The Associated Press that 10,000 trees have been planted to provide more shade, there is increased hospital bed capacity, and the number of paramedics has tripled.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
Light rain, thunderstorms expected in Delhi today, AQI drops to 146
Delhi residents woke up to pleasant weather on Thursday, with light winds offering respite from hot and humid conditions. Various parts of the city also witnessed a drop in temperatures. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for today, warning of possible thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. Delhi is expected to see generally cloudy skies with light rain or thunderstorm. The maximum temperature is likely to stay near 36 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature is expected to hover around 25 degrees Celsius. Delhi weather forecast for the week From today onwards, weather conditions are forecast to stabilise with partly cloudy skies and rising temperatures. Daytime temperatures are set to touch 38 to 40 degrees Celsius between June 5 and 8. Despite the trend, IMD has clearly stated that no heatwave conditions are likely over the next seven days. Winds are expected to shift north-westerly later in the week, with moderate speeds of 20 to 30 kmph. Delhi AQI improves after rain Air quality in Delhi improved to the 'moderate' category on Thursday morning following widespread rain across Delhi-NCR. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 146 at 8 am on June 5, compared to 178 at the same time a day earlier. The improvement in air quality is attributed to the rain, which cleared the atmosphere of pollutants. Air quality also improved across the NCR, with AQI levels remaining 'moderate' in most locations. Delhi's 24-hour average AQI stood at 187 at 4 pm on June 4. In Gurugram, the AQI was 258, placing it in the 'poor' category. Noida and Greater Noida recorded AQIs of 147 and 108 respectively, while Ghaziabad's AQI stood at 199. According to the CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'.
News18
3 hours ago
- News18
'Govt Efforts Brought Transformative Change For Poor, Marginalised,' Says PM Modi
Last Updated: Modi's post was in response to a message by MyGovIndia, which highlighted the central government's achievements in inclusive growth Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday underlined the government's focus on inclusive development over the past 11 years, stating that his administration's efforts have resulted in "transformative outcomes" that have especially benefitted the poor and marginalised sections of society. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Our Government's efforts towards all-round development have led to transformative outcomes and benefitted the poor and marginalised. #11YearsOfGaribKalyan." The Prime Minister's post was in response to a message by MyGovIndia, which highlighted the central government's achievements in inclusive growth. Our Government's efforts towards all round development have led to transformative outcomes and benefitted the poor and marginalised. #11YearsOfGaribKalyan — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2025 "A growth that includes everyone! In 11 years, PM Narendra Modi has turned inclusive development into reality, ensuring no one is left behind. Only empowerment, not promises. This is Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas in action," MyGovIndia wrote. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the Union Council of Ministers meeting, the first such meeting after Operation Sindoor. "Chaired a meeting of the Council of Ministers earlier this evening," PM Modi posted on X. Sources said that a presentation on Operation Sindoor was made at the meeting. They said all the ministries presented their key achievements, which are expected to be highlighted during the first anniversary celebrations of the PM Modi government in its third term. The sources said PM Modi is learnt to have talked of the performance of the Indian-made defence systems during Operation Sindoor and the government's thrust on indigenisation. They said PM Modi laid thrust on hard work to realise the targets set by the government. India launched Operation Sindoor as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pak-sponsored terrorists in which 26 people were killed. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists. India also effectively responded to subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. India and Pakistan agreed to stop military action after Pakistan's DGMO called his Indian counterpart on May 10. (ANI) Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: June 05, 2025, 12:35 IST
