Meghalaya experienced its warmest year since records began in 1901, with the state’s average annual temperature reaching 20.77 degrees Celsius in 2025, according to a climate assessment released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The report, titled Statement on Climate for Meghalaya: 2025, was prepared by the IMD’s Climate Research and Services division in Pune in collaboration with the Meghalaya government. It examines long-term trends in temperature, rainfall and extreme weather events across the state.
The assessment found that the annual mean temperature in 2025 was 0.96 degrees Celsius higher than the 1991-2020 average. Both daytime and nighttime temperatures remained above normal levels for most of the year.
The report noted that the state’s annual minimum temperature was the highest recorded since 1901, while the annual maximum temperature ranked as the third highest on record. Meghalaya’s five warmest years have all occurred recently, with 2025 topping the list, followed by 2023, 2024, 2021 and 2022.
Long-term data show that Meghalaya’s average annual temperature has increased by about 0.73 degrees Celsius per century between 1901 and 2025. Maximum temperatures have risen more rapidly than minimum temperatures over the same period.
The warming trend was especially pronounced during the southwest monsoon season. Maximum temperatures during the monsoon were 1.2 degrees Celsius above normal, making it the warmest monsoon season on record in terms of maximum temperature.
Despite the record-breaking heat, Meghalaya recorded a significant rainfall deficit during the year. The state received only 73 per cent of its average annual rainfall, while southwest monsoon rainfall stood at just 57 per cent of normal levels, reflecting a 43 per cent shortfall.
Since the southwest monsoon contributes nearly 72 per cent of Meghalaya’s yearly rainfall, the deficit had a major impact on overall precipitation. However, higher-than-normal rainfall during the pre-monsoon season helped partially offset the shortfall.
Rainfall remained below normal from June to October, with July recording the sharpest deficiency. While winter, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons all registered below-normal rainfall, excess pre-monsoon showers reduced the annual deficit.
District-wise analysis revealed significant variations across the state. Six districts recorded deficient rainfall, three received normal rainfall, one experienced large excess rainfall and another faced large deficiency. South West Khasi Hills recorded large excess rainfall, while West Jaintia Hills registered large deficient rainfall.
The IMD’s Standardised Precipitation Index indicated mildly wet conditions only in East Garo Hills, while the remaining districts experienced varying levels of dry conditions.
Interestingly, despite the overall rainfall deficit, several locations witnessed episodes of extremely heavy rainfall. Stations including Cherrapunji, Mawsynram and Shillong recorded heavy to extremely heavy precipitation, with some places receiving more than 204.5 mm of rain within 24 hours.
The report also documented floods, thunderstorms, lightning strikes, hailstorms and gale-related incidents during the year, highlighting the growing variability in weather patterns across Meghalaya.
The IMD said the assessment is intended to support planning in sectors such as agriculture, water resources, public health, power and disaster management. However, the report does not directly evaluate the impact of these climatic conditions on agriculture, water availability or livelihoods.
