Meghalaya Experiences Record Warmth in 2025 Amid Rainfall Deficit
Climate Report Highlights Unprecedented Temperature Trends
File image of Meghalaya's Shillong (Photo: @mpparimal/X)
Shillong, Nov 7: In 2025, Meghalaya recorded its highest annual mean temperature since 1901, reaching 20.77 degrees Celsius, despite experiencing a significant 43% reduction in southwest monsoon rainfall, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
This information is part of the IMD's comprehensive report titled “Statement on Climate for Meghalaya: 2025,” which was developed in collaboration with the Meghalaya government.
The report examines temperature trends, rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events, utilizing climate data dating back to 1901.
According to the findings, the annual mean temperature of 20.77 degrees Celsius was 0.96 degrees higher than the long-term average from 1991 to 2020.
Throughout the year, both maximum and minimum temperatures were above average, with the annual minimum temperature marking the highest level since 1901, while the maximum temperature was recorded as the third highest.
2025 has been classified as the warmest year in Meghalaya's climate history, followed by 2023, 2024, 2021, and 2022 as the next warmest years.
From 1901 to 2025, the state's annual mean temperature has increased at a rate of 0.73 degrees Celsius per century.
Maximum temperatures have risen more rapidly, at a rate of 0.85 degrees per century, compared to 0.62 degrees for minimum temperatures.
The warming trend was especially notable during the southwest monsoon season, where maximum temperatures were 1.2 degrees above normal, marking it as the warmest monsoon season on record since 1901.
Despite the record-high temperatures, Meghalaya faced a considerable shortfall in rainfall during 2025.
The state received only 73% of its annual long-term average rainfall, with the southwest monsoon, which typically contributes 71.8% of the annual precipitation, delivering just 57% of its expected rainfall.
This annual rainfall deficit was somewhat mitigated by excess precipitation during the pre-monsoon season, which accounts for approximately 19.1% of the state's total rainfall.
Rainfall levels were predominantly below normal from June to October, with the most significant deficiency occurring in July.
The assessment indicated that rainfall was lacking during the winter, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons, although the excess pre-monsoon rainfall helped to lessen the overall annual deficit.
A district-wise analysis revealed significant variations in rainfall across Meghalaya.
Out of the 11 districts analyzed in 2025, six experienced deficient rainfall, three had normal precipitation, one recorded large excess rainfall, and one faced a large deficiency.
South West Khasi Hills noted a large excess of rainfall, while West Jaintia Hills faced a significant deficiency.
The IMD's Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI) indicated mildly wet conditions only in East Garo Hills, while other districts experienced varying levels of dryness.
Analysis of annual rainfall from 1951 to 2024 showed an increasing trend in three neighboring districts in western Meghalaya, while the remaining districts exhibited a declining trend.
However, data for five districts were not available for long-term analysis. Despite the overall rainfall deficit, some areas in Meghalaya experienced intense precipitation events during 2025.
The combination of deficient seasonal rainfall and episodes of extreme precipitation underscores the uneven distribution and intensity of rainfall across the state.
The IMD's assessment aims to provide a scientific foundation for planning in various sectors, including agriculture, water management, power, health, and disaster management.
However, the report does not directly link the 2025 temperature and rainfall patterns to crop yields, water availability, or household livelihoods, which would necessitate further evaluations by relevant departments and researchers.