The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that Andhra Pradesh received significantly higher than average rainfall during the crucial northeast monsoon season of 2025. The state recorded a substantial surplus, marking one of its wettest periods in recent history.
Breaking Down the Monsoon Numbers
From October to December 2025, Andhra Pradesh experienced a total rainfall of 357.6 mm. This figure stands in stark contrast to the normal expected rainfall of 287.2 mm for the same period. The data indicates a notable 25 per cent departure from the long-term average, as confirmed by the weather agency.
The rainfall distribution ensured that both the Rayalaseema region and coastal Andhra Pradesh (CAP) enjoyed good precipitation during both the southwest and northeast monsoon seasons last year. The southwest monsoon withdrew from the state on October 16, 2025, making way for the northeast monsoon to set in over Rayalaseema and CAP. While the season officially concludes on December 31, the actual withdrawal was pending at the time of reporting.
Cyclone Montha's Major Impact
A primary driver of the excess rainfall was the severe Cyclone Montha. The storm, which made landfall between Narsapur and Kakinada along the AP coast in the last week of October 2025, significantly enhanced monsoon activity. Its influence was so profound that October 2025 became one of the wettest Octobers in the state's recent history.
The state received a staggering 294.1 mm of rainfall in October 2025 alone, compared to a normal of 161.5 mm. This translates to an enormous 82 per cent surplus over the average for the month.
Regional and District-Wise Performance
Breaking down the figures regionally, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and the Yanam subdivision recorded 394.7 mm of rain against a normal of 322.9 mm, resulting in a 22 per cent surplus. The Rayalaseema region, comprising eight districts, performed even better, registering 314.7 mm against a normal of 236.4 mm, which is a 33 per cent surplus.
At the district level, the performance was largely positive but mixed. Nandyal district emerged as the top performer, registering the highest surplus rainfall between October and December at an impressive 67 per cent. It was followed by other high-surplus districts:
- Vizianagaram: 58% surplus
- Anakapalle: 45% surplus
- Palnadu: 41% excess
- Srikakulam and NTR districts: 37% excess each
- YSR Kadapa district: 36% excess
However, not all districts shared in the bounty. Only four districts recorded a deficit in rainfall. The most significant shortfall was in East Godavari district, which recorded a substantial deficit of 70 per cent during the three-month period.
Seasonal Patterns and Conclusion
While parts of the state continued to receive rainfall in November, the intensity reduced significantly from the last week of November onwards. The overall picture for 2025, however, remains that of a state that received bountiful, albeit unevenly distributed, monsoon rains, largely boosted by a powerful cyclonic system. This excess precipitation is expected to have positive implications for water reservoirs and agriculture in the surplus regions, while highlighting the variable nature of monsoon patterns across Andhra Pradesh's diverse geography.
