Meghalaya Records Warmest Year Since 1901, Monsoon Rainfall 43 Pc Below Normal: IMD

Meghalaya recorded its warmest year since 1901 in 2025, with the annual mean temperature reaching 20.77 degrees Celsius, even as the state received 43 per cent less than normal southwest monsoon rainfall, according to an India Meteorological Department (IMD) report.

The report, titled 'Statement on Climate for Meghalaya: 2025', said the annual mean temperature was 0.96 degrees above the 1991-2020 long-period average. Both maximum and minimum temperatures remained above normal for most of the year, with the annual minimum temperature reaching its highest level since 1901.

The maximum temperature was the third highest on record. The report identified 2025 as the warmest year in Meghalaya's recorded climate history, followed by 2023, 2024, 2021 and 2022.

Between 1901 and 2025, the state's annual mean temperature increased at a rate of 0.73 degrees Celsius per century. Maximum temperatures rose faster, at 0.85 degrees per century, compared with 0.62 degrees for minimum temperatures.

The warming was particularly pronounced during the southwest monsoon, when maximum temperatures were 1.2 degrees above normal, making it the warmest monsoon season on record in this category.

Despite the record warmth, Meghalaya received only 73 per cent of its normal annual rainfall in 2025. The southwest monsoon, which accounts for 71.8 per cent of the state's annual precipitation, delivered just 57 per cent of its normal rainfall.

Of the 11 districts assessed, six recorded deficient rainfall, three received normal precipitation, one experienced large excess rainfall and another reported large deficiency. South West Khasi Hills recorded large excess rainfall, while West Jaintia Hills experienced large deficient rainfall.

The IMD also documented heavy to extremely heavy rainfall events at Cherrapunji, Mawsynram and Shillong, with some locations receiving more than 204.5 mm in 24 hours. Floods, lightning, thunderstorms, gales and hailstorms were also reported.

The assessment is expected to provide scientific inputs for planning in agriculture, water management, health and disaster preparedness.