Shillong, November 7: Meghalaya recorded its warmest year since 1901 in 2025, with the annual mean temperature reaching 20.77 degrees Celsius, according to a report by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The figure was 0.96 degrees above the 1991–2020 long-period average.
The findings are part of the Statement on Climate for Meghalaya: 2025, prepared by the IMD’s Climate Research and Services office in Pune in collaboration with the Meghalaya government. The assessment analyses temperature trends, rainfall patterns and extreme weather events using records dating back to 1901.
The report said the state’s annual minimum temperature was the highest recorded since 1901, while the maximum temperature ranked third highest. The five warmest years in Meghalaya’s recorded climate history were 2025, 2023, 2024, 2021 and 2022.
Between 1901 and 2025, Meghalaya’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.
Despite the record warmth, the state experienced a significant rainfall deficit in 2025. Meghalaya received 73 per cent of its annual long-period average rainfall, while the southwest monsoon delivered only 57 per cent of its normal precipitation — a deficit of 43 per cent. The southwest monsoon accounts for 71.8 per cent of the state’s annual rainfall.
Rainfall remained predominantly below normal from June to October, with July recording the highest deficiency. Excess precipitation during the pre-monsoon season partly offset the overall annual shortfall.
The district-wise assessment found that six of the 11 districts covered recorded deficient rainfall, three received normal precipitation, one experienced large excess rainfall and another recorded large deficiency. South West Khasi Hills received large excess rainfall, while West Jaintia Hills recorded large deficient rainfall.
Despite the overall shortfall, several locations, including Cherrapunji, Mawsynram and Shillong, experienced episodes of intense rainfall. Some places received more than 204.5 mm of rain in 24 hours, crossing the IMD threshold for extremely heavy rainfall. The report also documented floods, lightning, thunderstorms, gale and hailstorm-related events during the year.
The IMD said the assessment could provide a scientific basis for planning in sectors such as agriculture, water management, power, health and disaster management.
