India’s tech capital and renowned “Garden City,” etched its name into the meteorological record books by experiencing its wettest May ever. With an unprecedented 307.9 mm of rainfall recorded by May 26, the city surpassed the previous record of 305.4 mm set in 2023, marking a significant milestone in its weather history. This deluge, driven by an early and intense southwest monsoon, has brought both awe and disruption to the city, highlighting its vulnerability to extreme weather and sparking conversations about urban resilience. This blog explores the causes, impacts, and broader implications of Bengaluru’s record-breaking May, drawing on the city’s evolving relationship with its climate.
A Historic Downpour: Breaking a 66-Year Record
Bengaluru’s rainfall in May 2025 has been nothing short of extraordinary. By May 25, the city had already recorded 303 mm of rain, just shy of the 2023 record of 305.4 mm. A final burst of showers on May 26 pushed the cumulative total to 307.9 mm, cementing this as the wettest May in the city’s recorded history, surpassing the previous high of 287 mm set in 1957. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this remarkable rainfall was fueled by an early monsoon surge, with 60% of Karnataka covered by the southwest monsoon weeks ahead of its typical June onset. The state as a whole recorded 139.3 mm of rainfall by May 25, a staggering 160% above the normal 53.6 mm for the month.
The intensity of the rains was particularly evident in a single 12-hour period from May 19 to 20, when Bengaluru received 130 mm of rainfall, contributing significantly to the monthly total. This event alone caused widespread flooding, claimed three lives, and inundated over 500 homes, underscoring the city’s struggle to cope with such extreme weather. The IMD attributes this deluge to a combination of factors: a north-south trough extending from eastern Madhya Pradesh to South Interior Karnataka, coupled with high moisture retention in the atmosphere and wind convergence at 900 meters above sea level. These conditions created a perfect storm, driving convective activity and relentless showers across the region.
The Impact: A City Under Water
The record-breaking rainfall has left an indelible mark on Bengaluru, transforming its streets into rivers and exposing the fragility of its infrastructure. Low-lying areas, tech parks, and residential neighborhoods bore the brunt of the flooding, with waterlogging reported across major arterial roads, underpasses, and flyovers. The city’s lakes, already strained by urban encroachment, teetered on the brink of overflow, with over 20 water bodies at critical levels. Public transportation ground to a halt in many areas, and power outages lasting over 12 hours affected several neighborhoods, particularly in the tech-heavy zones of Whitefield and Electronic City.
The human toll has been significant. The loss of three lives in rain-related incidents serves as a somber reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather. Over 500 homes were flooded, displacing families and damaging property. Social media posts from Bengaluru residents captured the chaos, with images of submerged vehicles, stranded commuters, and inundated tech parks circulating widely. One user described the city as “paralyzed,” with miles-long traffic jams and flooded underpasses bringing daily life to a standstill. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) have been working tirelessly to clear debris, pump out water, and restore normalcy, but the scale of the disruption has tested their resources.
The economic impact is equally concerning. Bengaluru, often dubbed the “Silicon Valley of India,” is home to numerous tech giants and startups. Flooded tech parks disrupted operations, with reports of employees stranded or unable to reach offices. The city’s reputation as a global IT hub hinges on its ability to provide reliable infrastructure, and these recurrent flooding events raise questions about its preparedness for extreme weather. Small businesses, street vendors, and daily wage workers have also been hit hard, with flooded markets and disrupted supply chains compounding their challenges.
A Changing Climate: Why This May Was Different
The record rainfall of May 2025 is part of a broader pattern of intensifying weather events in Bengaluru. The city has been breaking rainfall records with alarming frequency in recent years. In 2023, Bengaluru recorded 305.4 mm of rain in May, breaking a 66-year-old record. In 2022, it experienced its wettest year ever, with 1,704 mm of rainfall, surpassing the 2017 record. June 2024 saw the city smash a 133-year-old record for the wettest single day, with 111.1 mm of rain. These milestones point to a shifting climate, driven by global warming and localized factors like urban heat islands and deforestation.
The IMD has noted that Bengaluru’s pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons are becoming more erratic, with higher rainfall intensity and frequency. The early onset of the southwest monsoon in 2025, covering 60% of Karnataka by May 25, is a rare phenomenon, previously seen only in 2009. Unlike that year, when the monsoon stalled after an early start, 2025 has seen sustained and widespread rainfall, with coastal and Malnad districts reporting 25–30 cm of rain in just two days. Experts attribute this to a combination of atmospheric systems, including a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal and wind discontinuities that promote convective rainfall. These conditions, exacerbated by climate change, are making extreme weather events more common in Karnataka.
Urbanization has also played a role. Bengaluru’s rapid growth has led to the concretization of natural water bodies and green spaces, reducing the city’s ability to absorb rainfall. Encroachment on lakes and wetlands, coupled with inadequate drainage systems, has turned even moderate rains into flooding disasters. The city’s 128.7 mm average May rainfall has been consistently exceeded in recent years, with an eight-year average of 185 mm since 2015. This trend underscores the need for sustainable urban planning to mitigate the impacts of such weather events.
Response and Resilience: The City Fights Back
The Karnataka government and BBMP have responded swiftly to the crisis. The KSDMA issued yellow alerts for Bengaluru through May 22, warning of continued thunderstorms and gusty winds. Emergency teams have been deployed to clear fallen trees—over 200 reported in a single day—and pump water from flooded areas. Relief camps have been set up for displaced residents, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been mobilized in vulnerable areas like Yelahanka and Mahadevapura. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced plans to seek central assistance to repair damaged infrastructure and support affected communities, a strategy employed after the 2018 and 2023 floods.
Community resilience has also shone through. Local residents and volunteer groups have rallied to assist those stranded, sharing food, water, and transportation. Social media platforms have been abuzz with offers of help and real-time updates on road conditions, reflecting Bengaluru’s strong sense of community. However, posts on X also reveal frustration with the city’s infrastructure, with users calling for better drainage systems, stricter regulations on lake encroachment, and investments in climate-resilient urban planning.
Looking Ahead: Lessons for Bengaluru’s Future
The record-breaking rainfall of May 2025 is a wake-up call for Bengaluru. As climate change intensifies, the city must confront its vulnerabilities head-on. Experts like GS Srinivasa Reddy, former director of the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), have emphasized the need for proactive measures. These include restoring lakes and wetlands, upgrading drainage systems, and enforcing stricter building regulations to prevent construction in flood-prone areas. The BBMP’s efforts to desilt stormwater drains and clear encroachments have been ongoing, but the scale of the challenge requires long-term investment and political will.
The IMD’s forecasts suggest that Bengaluru’s wet streak may continue, with light to moderate thunderstorms expected in the coming days. The city’s observatories, including those at HAL airport (275 mm in May 2023) and Kempegowda International Airport (227 mm in May 2023), have consistently recorded above-average rainfall, signaling a new normal for Bengaluru’s climate. As the city prepares for the full onset of the southwest monsoon in June, it must prioritize resilience to avoid a repeat of May’s chaos.
On a broader level, Bengaluru’s experience reflects the global challenge of urban adaptation to climate change. Cities worldwide, from Mumbai to Miami, are grappling with rising sea levels, extreme rainfall, and heatwaves. Bengaluru’s tech-driven economy and innovative spirit position it well to lead in climate-smart solutions, such as green infrastructure, smart water management, and data-driven disaster preparedness. Collaborations between the government, tech industry, and civil society could drive these efforts, ensuring that the city remains a vibrant hub even in the face of nature’s fury.
A City of Contrasts: Beauty and Challenges
Bengaluru’s record-breaking May rainfall is a testament to the city’s complex relationship with its environment. The same rains that have caused havoc also nourish its greenery, replenish its water table, and remind residents of the natural beauty that defines the “Garden City.” Yet, the challenges of flooding, traffic chaos, and infrastructure strain highlight the urgent need for change. As Bengaluru celebrates this meteorological milestone, it must also reflect on the lessons it offers.
The wettest May in history is not just a statistic—it’s a call to action. By investing in sustainable urban planning, strengthening disaster response mechanisms, and fostering community resilience, Bengaluru can turn this challenge into an opportunity to build a more resilient future. As the rains continue to fall, the city stands at a crossroads, ready to redefine its relationship with its climate and emerge stronger from the deluge.
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