India recorded its fifth driest December in 124 years
Why in news?
India's December 2025 was the fifth driest on record since 1901, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), with nationwide rainfall at just 4.9 mm—69% below normal. This marked the lowest December rainfall since 2001, driven by feeble western disturbances, absent strong easterly winds, lack of wind interactions over central India, and an unfavorable Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO).​
Key Highlights from IMD Report
- All-India Rainfall: Only 4.9 mm in December 2025, 69% below average.
- Historical Context: Fifth driest December since 1901; lowest since 2001.
- Regional Impact:
- Delhi: No rainfall at all, second-driest December in a decade (after 2023).
- Central India: Lowest December rainfall in 124 years.
- East & Northeast: Sixth-lowest December showers.
- Weather Events: Only 14 instances of very heavy rainfall nationwide, compared to 146 in December 2024.
- Fog: Prolonged dense fog across north and northwest India, lasting weeks.
Causes of the Dry Spell
- Feeble western disturbances (normally bring winter rain/snow).
- Absence of strong easterly winds.
- No significant wind interactions over central India.
- Unfavourable Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), a global weather phenomenon that influences rainfall.
Importance
- Water Recharge: Winter rainfall and snowfall are crucial for replenishing groundwater and rivers in higher-altitude regions.
- Agriculture: Dry conditions may affect rabi crops, though strong irrigation and full reservoirs from last year could soften the impact.
- Climate Signal: Such extreme anomalies highlight the increasing variability of India’s winter weather patterns.
| Factor |
Normal Role |
December 2025 Outcome |
| Western Disturbances |
Bring rain/snow to north India |
Weak, failed to trigger rainfall |
| Easterly Winds |
Support rainfall in central/east India |
Absent |
| MJO |
Enhances rainfall globally |
Unfavourable phase |
| Result |
Balanced winter precipitation |
69% rainfall deficit |
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