According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), northwest India recorded 265 mm of rainfall in August this year; the highest in this month since 2001, marking the 13th such occurrence since 1901.
Throughout the monsoon months—June, July, and August—northwest India received rainfall exceeding usual levels. As per IMD data, June saw 111 mm rainfall, 42 percent above average. In July, rainfall reached 237.4 mm, surpassing the norm by 13 percent. August's 265 mm rain was 34.5 percent above the standard 197.1 mm.
Unusual Rain Brings Natural Calamities
From June 1 to August 31, northwest India accumulated 614.2 mm of rain, 27 percent above the typical 484.9 mm. This unusual downpour accompanied several natural disasters. Punjab faced severe flooding, the worst in decades, as swelling rivers and broken canals submerged thousands of hectares of farmland, displacing millions.
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In the Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir, cloudbursts and flash floods spurred landslides, causing widespread damage. Bridges and roads washed away, with frequent cloudbursts and landslides reported. IMD attributes the excessive rainfall to an active monsoon and recurring western disturbances.
31% Above Normal Rainfall in South India
Southern Peninsular India also reported 250.6 mm of rain in August, 31 percent above normal. It ranks as the third highest since 2001 and the 8th highest since 1901. The region gathered 607.7 mm rainfall from June 1 to August 31, 9.3 percent above the standard 556.2 mm.
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Across the nation, August experienced 268.1 mm of rain, 5 percent more than usual. From June to August, the total reached 743.1 mm, exceeding the norm by 6 percent. Weather experts caution the continuity of extreme weather events. Following the IMD's warning, relief and rescue operations are accelerating in affected regions.
