It was another healthy Southwest Monsoon season for India and Asia as a whole but not without large regional variation.
Here’s an AI Summary
The 2025 Asian monsoon was characterized by above-normal rainfall, higher-than-average temperatures, and intense extreme weather events across many regions. Devastating flooding and landslides affected millions of people and led to widespread casualties, particularly in South Asia.
Overall conditions
- Above-average rainfall: The South Asia Climate Outlook Forum forecast above-normal rainfall for most of South Asia during the southwest monsoon season from June to September. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported an 8% increase in rainfall across India, making it the second consecutive year of above-average monsoon rains for the country.
- Wetter, more erratic patterns: The monsoon was described as “wetter, hotter, and more unpredictable,” driven by global warming. This resulted in more frequent, intense downpours with greater year-to-year variability, punctuated by dry spells, rather than steady rainfall.
- Intensified extreme weather: Global climate models indicated intensified rain and heat, with temperatures in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region up to 2ยฐC above normal. These conditions amplified the risks of flash floods and landslides.
Regional impact summary
South Asia
- Pakistan: From late June, intense monsoon rains led to severe and deadly floods, particularly in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The flooding overwhelmed drainage systems, damaged homes, and resulted in at least 300 fatalities by early August, with more than 700 injured. In early July, flash floods in northern Pakistan killed at least 72 people.
- India: Widespread flooding was reported in multiple states. In Himachal Pradesh, heavy rains caused 173 deaths between June and July due to landslides and flash floods. Extreme downpours in Punjab and other northwestern states in late August and early September resulted in rainfall 1,000% above normal in some areas, causing the state’s worst floods since 1988.
- Nepal and Himalayas: The monsoon caused multiple deadly landslides and floods. In early July, a river swelled by rains washed away a major bridge connecting Nepal and China. In early October, very heavy rainfall triggered landslides, killing at least 60 people across Nepal and parts of northeastern India.
- Bangladesh: Bangladesh experienced flooding that was exacerbated by erratic weather patterns. By mid-September, thousands were affected, and key infrastructure and farmlands were damaged.
East and Southeast Asia
- Philippines: Multiple tropical cyclones, including Wipha and Co-may, enhanced the southwest monsoon, causing massive flooding in July. A state of calamity was declared in several cities and provinces. The monsoon caused fatalities, displaced thousands, and damaged homes, crops, and infrastructure.
- China, Laos, and Thailand: Several countries in the region experienced severe monsoon-related weather. In China, flooding in July killed dozens and forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate. Northern Thailand was also affected by heavy rain brought by the monsoon.
- South Korea and Japan: Some parts of South Korea and Japan experienced shorter and more unreliable rainy seasons, which climate scientists attribute to climate change.
INDIA
Notably below normal rainfall occurred in the typically wettest places along the Himalayan foothills and NE while well above in NW India.
As the monsoon (Jun-Sep) ends, so the secondary annual tropical cyclone peak (Oct-Dec) for the North Indian Ocean begins. On average, 1 cyclone forms in the Arabian Sea while 4 typically form in the Bay of Bengal.
While only 5-6% of the global average (80 on avg per year), when they do hit India or Bangladesh, they can be among the world’s most deadly.
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