9.1. IMD Rainfall Records

IMD provides real-time and historical rainfall data, maps, and time series for all 36 meteorological subdivisions, states, river basins, and stations.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is responsible for collecting and disseminating rainfall data across India. This data includes real-time measurements that are updated continuously, as well as historical data that researchers and meteorologists can analyze for patterns and trends. The IMD structures this information according to various geographical classifications, such as subdivisions and river basins, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the entire country.

Think of the IMD as a huge library for weather information. Just like a library categorizes books by topics and genres, the IMD organizes rainfall data by regions and time periods, making it easier for people, like farmers or scientists, to find the information they need for their decisions or research.

Recent Trends: May 2025 was the wettest since records began in 1901, with pan-India rainfall 106% above its long period average.

Recent statistical analysis indicates that in May 2025, India experienced an extraordinarily high rainfall amount, surpassing any previous records since the IMD began keeping track in 1901. Specifically, this rainfall was 106% more than the average rainfall typically expected during this month, showing an unusual spike or trend in precipitation that year. Such extreme rainfall can have significant implications for agriculture, water resource management, and disaster preparedness.

Imagine you're baking a cake and you usually use a standard recipe that calls for two cups of sugar. This year, you accidentally pour in 4 cups instead. Just like this extra sugar can change the taste of your cake, the excessive rainfall in May 2025 significantly altered patterns in weather, causing effects on floods, soil saturation, and crop yields.

Districtwise, statewise, and sub-divisional summaries are provided for operational and research purposes via IMD's official platforms.

The IMD does not just provide a broad overview of rainfall for the entire country; it also delivers detailed summaries that break down the data further. These summaries are organized by districts, states, and sub-divisions, making it possible for users to see specific rainfall statistics for their locales. This tailored information is important for operational decision-making—like how much irrigation a particular crop might need—and for research initiatives studying regional climate patterns.

Think of IMD's summaries like a daily weather report but at a local level. Instead of just knowing it's going to rain in your entire city, you can find out whether your specific neighborhood will receive a light drizzle or a heavy downpour. This detailed information helps people prepare better for the day ahead.

Region/Month May 2025 Rainfall (mm) Record Status: All-India 126.7 Highest since 1901; Central India 100.9 Highest since 1901; South Peninsular 199.7 2nd highest since 1901.

The IMD's statistics for May 2025 showcase specific rainfall amounts for different regions of India, highlighting that all of India averaged 126.7 mm of rain. Central India matched its record from 1901 with 100.9 mm, while South Peninsular India recorded 199.7 mm, marking it as the second highest since 1901. This detailed record helps to show not just the anomalies in the data but also how specific areas may be affected differently by the same weather patterns.

Think of it like a sports championship where different teams can score different points. Here, each region is like a team, and the amount of rainfall is their score. While some areas might break records, others are just shy of their best performance, yet all are important in understanding the overall picture of rainfall and its implications.

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