IMD Forecast for September 2025
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts above-normal rainfall for September 2025, predicting a monthly average rainfall exceeding 109% of the long-term average of 167.9 mm.
- Most regions are expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall.
- Some areas in the northeast and east, parts of extreme southern peninsular India, and certain pockets in northwest India may experience below-normal rainfall.
Potential Impacts of Heavy Rainfall
- Landslides and Flash Floods: Heavy rainfall could trigger landslides and flash floods, particularly in Uttarakhand, potentially disrupting life in south Haryana, Delhi, and north Rajasthan.
- Concerns for downstream areas due to floods in rivers originating from Uttarakhand.
- Expected heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Mahanadi river in Chhattisgarh.
Monsoon Rains in August 2025
Northwest India
Northwest India recorded 265 mm of rainfall in August, marking the highest for the month since 2001 and the 13th highest since 1901.
- Above-normal rainfall noted in all three months of the monsoon season:
- June: 111 mm, 42% above normal.
- July: 237.4 mm, 13% above normal.
- August: 265 mm against a normal of 197.1 mm, an excess of 34.5%.
- Cumulative rainfall from June 1 to August 31: 614.2 mm, 27% higher than the normal of 484.9 mm.
Natural Disasters Linked to Excess Rainfall
- Punjab experienced its worst flooding in decades, with swollen rivers and breached canals inundating farmlands and displacing lakhs of people.
- Himalayan states faced cloudbursts and flash floods causing landslides and widespread damage.
- Infrastructure damage in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, including washed-out bridges and roads.
- Jammu and Kashmir experienced repeated cloudbursts and landslides.
South Peninsular India
South Peninsular India received 250.6 mm of rainfall in August, 31% above normal, ranking third highest for the month since 2001 and eighth highest since 1901.
