Bareilly Soaked: Third Highest Single-Day May Rainfall Since Records Began – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pexels)
Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh – Torrential rain totaling 54.6 mm over the past 24 hours has placed the city third on the list of highest single-day May rainfall totals since records began. This marked downpour, confirmed by Indian Meteorological Department data, arrived amid a broader spell of unseasonal weather across the state.[1][2] Residents experienced sudden thunderstorms and gusty winds, a stark departure from the typically scorching May conditions.
Ranking High in Historical Ledger
The 54.6 mm rainfall stands out sharply against Bareilly’s May archives. The all-time peak remains 69.4 mm, which fell on May 21, 2000.[3] Recent years have seen lesser extremes, such as 49.6 mm on May 20, 2021, and 47.3 mm on May 5, 2016, underscoring the rarity of such volumes in the pre-monsoon month.
IMD records for the station, spanning back decades, highlight May’s usual dryness, with a mean monthly total of just 39.2 mm spread thinly. This event elevates the 2026 entry into elite company, reflecting how exceptional weather patterns can rewrite local benchmarks.
Sweeping Rains Across Uttar Pradesh
The downpour extended beyond Bareilly, drenching multiple districts in a rare May onslaught. Gunnaur in Sambhal logged the state’s highest at 130 mm, while Sahawar in Kasganj followed with 97 mm. Palliakalan in Kheri recorded 49.2 mm, and Gorakhpur saw 41.4 mm.[2]
Statewide, the 24-hour average reached 6.8 mm, far exceeding the typical 0.5 mm for the period. Lucknow itself measured 14.8 mm in a single hour, dropping daytime highs to 29°C – 10.4°C below normal and the lowest May maximum in four years.
| District/Location | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| Gunnaur, Sambhal | 130 |
| Sahawar, Kasganj | 97 |
| Bareilly | 54.6 |
| Palliakalan, Kheri | 49.2 |
| Gorakhpur | 41.4 |
Agricultural Ripples in the Mango Belt
Farmers in areas like Malihabad faced immediate concerns as heavy rain and winds triggered premature fruit drop in mango orchards. Growers reported losses of ₹40,000 to ₹50,000 per holding in some cases. Scientists observed drop rates under 5%, suggesting potential upsides like larger fruit sizes from reduced competition, though lingering moisture raised fungal risks.
Such events disrupt the delicate balance in Uttar Pradesh’s vital mango production zones. While not catastrophic, they serve as reminders of May’s vulnerability to freak weather shifts.
IMD’s Watch on Lingering Storms
The weather office issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, hail, and winds up to 70 kmph across over 20 districts. Gusts of 40-60 kmph targeted another 18-19 areas. Bareilly’s own station logged a maximum of 34.7°C on May 3, with traces of rain persisting.[4]
Forecasts predict continued thundery activity through May 5, with highs dipping to around 30°C before easing. Minimums hover near 21°C, offering brief respite from the heat but prolonging the wet spell.
As Uttar Pradesh navigates this atypical May moisture, the Bareilly record stands as a testament to nature’s unpredictability. Local authorities monitor for waterlogging, while the IMD data cements the event’s place in meteorological history.
