What caused the extreme rainfall and flooding in India during the 2025 monsoon season?

According to experts, the intensifying monsoons are primarily driven by climate change, not traditional factors like El Niño or La Niña.

How did the 2025 monsoon in India compare to previous years?

The 2025 monsoon saw 108% of the long-period average rainfall, marking the second consecutive year of above-normal rainfall and underscoring the growing influence of global warming on India's weather patterns.

What were the impacts of the 2025 monsoon in India?

The extreme rainfall triggered devastating floods and landslides across 45% of the country, resulting in over 1,500 lives lost. Certain regions like Northwest India saw record-high rainfall, while others like East and Northeast India struggled with deficits.

Home / Weather / Monsoon Mayhem: India Reels from Unprecedented Rainfall and Flooding in 2025

Monsoon Mayhem: India Reels from Unprecedented Rainfall and Flooding in 2025

17 Oct

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Summary

45% of India drenched in extreme rainfall, triggering devastating floods and landslides
2025 monsoon saw 108% of the long-period average rainfall, a trend of wetter monsoons
Experts attribute intensifying monsoons to climate change, not El Niño or La Niña

As of October 17th, 2025, the Southwest Monsoon of the year has left an indelible mark on India, with 45% of the country drenched in extreme rainfall. This has triggered devastating floods, landslides, and claimed over 1,500 lives across the nation.

The monsoon season, which spanned from June to September, saw unprecedented rainfall, with the season concluding at 108% of the long-period average (LPA). Experts have pointed to climate change as the primary driver behind this intensifying deluge, rather than the traditional factors of El Niño or La Niña.

This year's monsoon marks the second consecutive season with above-normal rainfall, underscoring the growing influence of global warming on India's weather patterns. The number of rainy days has decreased, but the quantum of rainfall per event has increased significantly, according to the former Director General of the India Meteorological Department.