Published on June 2, 2025 | by MasalaShot.in
India’s weather has always followed the beat of the monsoon, but 2025 has turned out to be one of the most rain-intense years in recent memory—at least for its first half. With Kerala already drenched in record rainfall and the monsoon officially kicking off, let’s take a deep dive into the rainfall patterns across India so far this year.
🌧️ A Quick Overview: Rainfall in 2025 So Far
By June 2, 2025, several regions of India have recorded significantly above-average rainfall, especially Kerala. In May alone, Kerala saw 584.2 mm of rainfall—167% more than the usual May average. The official onset of the Southwest Monsoon began on June 1, but much of South India had already seen monsoon-like downpours since late April.
📍 Kerala’s May 2025 Rainfall: A Month of Deluge
Kerala stood out in May with staggering rainfall numbers:
- Kannur: 68.4 cm (May 24–31)
- Kozhikode: 62.9 cm
- Kasaragod: 53.0 cm
These amounts made May 2025 one of the wettest on record for the state. City streets were flooded, schools were temporarily shut, and farmers began early sowing in anticipation of a favorable crop season.
🌊 Why Was May So Wet? Meteorological Insights
Experts point to multiple causes for the heavy rains:
- Warmer sea surface temperatures in the Arabian Sea
- Pre-monsoon low-pressure systems over the southern peninsula
- Changing El Niño–La Niña (ENSO) conditions
These led to stronger wind convergence and high moisture content in the atmosphere—perfect ingredients for prolonged downpours.
🌦️ June 1, 2025: Monsoon Onset with Mixed Start
According to IMD, the monsoon officially began in Kerala on June 1. However, early data showed mixed performance across districts:
| District | Rainfall (June 1) | Deviation |
|---|---|---|
| Kasaragod | 13.7 mm | +46% |
| Kannur | 18.2 mm | +24% |
| Palakkad | 15.6 mm | +75% |
| Kozhikode | 6.0 mm | -62% |
| Malappuram | 4.4 mm | -39% |
This signals a slightly uneven monsoon entry—normal in recent years due to climate fluctuations.
🌾 Impact on Agriculture
✅ Positive Outcomes:
- Early sowing opportunities in Kerala and coastal Karnataka
- Rising water tables and full reservoirs
- Improved soil moisture for paddy and maize crops
⚠️ Potential Problems:
- Waterlogging in low-lying agricultural zones
- Higher humidity may trigger fungal diseases
- Risk of topsoil erosion in hilly plantations
Government advisories recommend cautious sowing until a more stable rainfall pattern is confirmed.
🌍 Climate Change: A Hidden Player?
Institutes like the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and global climate bodies warn that extreme rain events like those in 2025 are becoming the norm.
“This isn’t just a one-off wet season—it’s part of a long-term shift toward irregular and extreme rainfall events,” said a researcher at IITM.
Data shows increasing short-duration, high-intensity rainfall over the last 5–7 years, making weather prediction and water management more complex.
🏙️ Urban Challenges: Cities Struggle to Stay Afloat
Cities like Kochi, Chennai, and Bengaluru faced significant problems due to unexpected rains:
- Power outages due to flooded transformers
- Traffic jams caused by waterlogged underpasses
- Inadequate drainage led to flooding in slums and low-income neighborhoods
Many municipal corporations are now pushing for better drainage audits and decentralized rainwater harvesting infrastructure.
📊 India-Wide Rainfall Summary (Jan–May 2025)
| Region | Normal (mm) | Actual (mm) | Deviation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kerala | 352.1 | 584.2 | +167% |
| Karnataka | 145.5 | 231.0 | +59% |
| Tamil Nadu | 102.0 | 148.3 | +45% |
| Maharashtra | 98.0 | 105.2 | +7% |
| Gujarat | 71.0 | 54.6 | -23% |
| West Bengal | 265.0 | 279.4 | +5% |
| Northeast | 542.3 | 507.0 | -6% |
South India leads in above-normal rainfall, while some central and northeastern states have remained near or slightly below average.
📅 What to Expect for the Rest of 2025?
According to IMD’s long-range forecast, we might see:
- Near-normal total rainfall by September
- Localized dry spells in North and Central India
- High chances of flash floods in Himalayan states
- 1–2 major cyclonic disturbances during August–September
The next crucial forecast update will be issued by IMD in mid-June, which will further detail regional rainfall trends.
🔚 Conclusion: The Story So Far
As of June 2025, India’s rainfall journey has already been dramatic—especially in Kerala and Karnataka. While early rain has benefited agriculture, it has also exposed how vulnerable Indian infrastructure is to climate variability.
From here on, all eyes will be on the monsoon’s northward progress and how the rest of the season unfolds. One thing’s for sure—2025’s weather will be remembered for its surprises.
📌 Stay with MasalaShot.in for regular weather insights, local rainfall updates, and monsoon forecasts.