Chandigarh: Tricity experienced unusually high rainfall in May 2025, recording the second-highest May rainfall in 13 years. This month recorded 66 mm of precipitation — a staggering 191% above the normal average for the month.

In Chandigarh, the rainfall recorded on Saturday was 12.2 mm.According to the meteorological department, the sudden spike follows a sharp contrast from May 2024, when the city recorded 0 mm of rainfall — a complete dry spell with a 100% deficit.A look at past data shows significant variation in May rainfall patterns. While 2023 saw the highest May rainfall in over a decade at 106.5 mm (367% above normal), other years like 2017 and 2018 witnessed minimal rainfall — just 5.7 mm and 13 mm, respectively — resulting in large deficits of -82% and -60%.

In 2016 and 2014, however, rainfall was relatively high, with 59.5 mm and 57.1 mm recorded, respectively. Even 2013 recorded lower rain during the month.The 66 mm rainfall in May 2025 not only brings relief from the scorching summer heat but also raises concerns over changing weather patterns and increasing variability in monsoon behaviour. Experts believe that such fluctuations may be linked to broader climate changes affecting regional weather systems.

Weather officials said there were number of active western disturbances in May. Looking ahead, light rain is expected for the next three days in Tricity. Even this evening witnessed rain accompanied by thunderstorm/lightning with gusty wind speeds of 40-50 kmph over parts of Tricity and adjoining areas. It brought down temperatures by a big margin and cooled Tricity.There is already a forecast for normal or above-normal rainfall in the monsoon. The monsoon this time is expected to arrive about a fortnight before the normal date, if the current weather scenario is in order.