India’s weather pattern is witnessing a major shift as the Southwest Monsoon moves closer to the southern coast. According to the weather department, the monsoon is likely to reach Kerala around May 26, while favorable conditions are already developing over the South Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. At the same time, several states are expected to experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds over the coming days.
A well-marked low-pressure area continues to remain active over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. The system is expected to intensify weather activity across eastern and southern parts of the country. Meteorologists have warned that the system could trigger strong winds over coastal regions along with widespread rainfall.
Parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph on May 16. Eastern Rajasthan may also witness thunderstorms and lightning activity during the same period.
States including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura are expected to witness continuous rain activity over the next several days. Isolated areas could receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of waterlogging and difficult travel conditions in hilly regions. Authorities have advised residents to remain alert.
Bihar weather, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Odisha are likely to experience thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds along with moderate rainfall. In some districts of Bihar and Jharkhand, wind speeds may reach 60–70 kmph during intense storm activity. Heavy rainfall and squally winds are also expected over the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Chhattisgarh is expected to receive rainfall with thunderstorm activity on May 16 and 17. Meanwhile, Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and Marathwada are also likely to witness scattered rain and gusty winds over the next few days.
Southern States May Receive Intense Rainfall:
Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Lakshadweep are likely to experience widespread rain and thunderstorm activity. Heavy rainfall has been forecast over Kerala and south interior Karnataka, raising the possibility of localized flooding in vulnerable areas.
Heatwave Conditions to Continue in Several States:
Even as rain activity increases in many regions, severe heatwave conditions are expected to continue across parts of northwest and central India. Temperatures may rise by 4–6 degrees Celsius in the western Himalayan region, while Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Vidarbha could continue to face intense heat. The weather department has warned that severe heatwave conditions may develop over Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh between May 18 and 21. Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and parts of Maharashtra may also experience hot weather and warm winds.
Advisory for Residents:
People living in areas prone to thunderstorms and heavy rainfall have been advised to stay indoors during lightning activity and avoid open fields, trees, and electric poles. Residents in heatwave-affected regions are advised to avoid outdoor exposure during afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and take necessary precautions against extreme heat.
FAQs:
1. When will the Southwest Monsoon reach Kerala?
The monsoon is likely to reach Kerala around May 26.
2. Which states may receive heavy rainfall?
Kerala, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, and West Bengal may receive heavy rainfall.
3. Which areas are under heatwave alert?
Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Vidarbha are under severe heatwave alert.
4. What wind speed is expected during thunderstorms?
Some regions may witness winds reaching 60–70 kmph during intense storm activity.
5. What precautions should people take during thunderstorms and heatwave?
People should stay indoors during lightning activity, avoid open areas, drink plenty of water, and avoid direct sunlight during afternoon hours.
