India Faces Record Low Rainfall in December 2025

In December 2025, India faced its fifth driest month since 1901, with rainfall significantly below average. The IMD reported that Delhi recorded no rainfall, marking a historic low for the city. Central India experienced its lowest rainfall in over a century, while dense fog affected many regions. The IMD attributes these conditions to various meteorological factors, including weak disturbances and unfavorable weather patterns. Looking ahead, dry conditions are expected to persist in northern India, although central India and Uttar Pradesh may see above-normal rainfall in the coming months. This situation raises concerns about water resources and agricultural impacts across the country.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 2, 2026, 11:16 IST

Severe Drought Conditions in December

In December 2025, India experienced its fifth driest month since 1901, with rainfall plummeting to 69% below the average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) report released on Thursday.

The total precipitation across the nation was a mere 4.9 mm, with Delhi recording no rainfall, marking it as the second driest December in the last ten years, following 2023, as stated by IMD's Director General, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.

Central India faced its lowest rainfall in over 124 years, while the eastern and northeastern regions noted their sixth-lowest December precipitation. The country saw only 14 instances of heavy rainfall, a stark contrast to the 146 occurrences in December 2024.

Winter precipitation and snowfall are vital for replenishing water sources in higher-altitude areas.

Mohapatra linked the dry conditions to several factors, including weak western disturbances, insufficient strong easterly winds, minimal wind interactions over central India, and an unfavorable Madden-Julian Oscillation.

The Madden-Julian Oscillation is a significant weather phenomenon near the equator that shifts eastward, affecting rainfall and wind patterns every 30 to 60 days.

Alongside the lack of rain, extensive dense fog blanketed many regions, with some areas experiencing fog for 15 to 26 days throughout December, according to Mohapatra.

The IMD has also forecasted that dry weather will continue over northern and northwestern India from January to March. However, central India and Uttar Pradesh are anticipated to see above-normal rainfall during this timeframe.