Delhi Drenched: Record Rainfall, Airport Damage, and Red Alerts in Kerala and Maharashtra

Delhi was hit by a powerful thunderstorm early Sunday morning, May 25, 2025, dumping a staggering 81.4 mm of rain in just a few hours. This deluge marked Delhi’s wettest May since records began in 1901, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Heavy Rains Cause Widespread Flooding

The downpour, classified as ‘heavy’ by IMD standards, also became the second-highest 24-hour May rainfall ever recorded in Delhi, trailing only the 119.3 mm recorded on May 20, 2021. Severe waterlogging was reported across numerous areas of the city, causing disruption and inconvenience.

Airport Roof Suffers Damage

The heavy rains took a toll on infrastructure as well. Delhi’s T1 airport experienced damage to its roof, although the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) assured the public that there had been ‘no structural compromise’.

Red Alerts Issued for Kerala

Meanwhile, Kerala’s Kozhikode and Wayanad districts have been placed on red alert for Monday, May 26, and Tuesday, May 27, 2025, as persistent rainfall continues to wreak havoc. District collectors have declared a holiday for educational institutions on Monday, May 26, but the day off does not apply to pre-scheduled examinations, such as university exams and tests conducted by the Kerala Public Service Commission.

Maharashtra Sees Early Monsoon Arrival

Adding to the weather drama, the southwest monsoon arrived in Maharashtra on Sunday, May 25, 2025, marking the earliest onset in 35 years, according to the IMD. The monsoon is expected to reach Mumbai and other parts of the state within the next three days.