India’s weather pattern is undergoing a sharp transformation as the southwest monsoon inches closer to the Kerala coast, with its arrival likely around May 26. While several regions are preparing for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds, large parts of northern and central India continue to battle an intense heatwave.
The India Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain and gusty winds reaching up to 70 kmph in multiple states over the coming days. At the same time, temperatures in Delhi-NCR and nearby regions may soar up to 46°C, creating severe heat stress conditions. However, Maharashtra and Gujarat are expected to witness a slight drop of 2–3°C in daytime temperatures.
According to weather officials, maximum temperatures across Maharashtra and Gujarat may gradually decline by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the next few days. Despite this minor relief, most parts of the country are likely to continue experiencing high summer temperatures with little significant change.
Even as rainfall activity increases in some regions, intense heatwave conditions remain a major concern across northern and central India. States including Madhya Pradesh, western Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi weather, Rajasthan, and Vidarbha are likely to face heatwave to severe heatwave conditions between May 20 and May 25. In some parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, warm nights are also expected, reducing chances of overnight cooling. Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha may continue to experience hot and humid weather, adding to public discomfort.
The national capital region is witnessing one of the harshest spells of heat this season. Weather experts predict clear skies over Delhi on May 20, allowing intense sunlight to push temperatures even higher. The maximum temperature is expected to remain between 44°C and 46°C, while minimum temperatures may hover around 26°C to 28°C. Heatwave conditions are likely to persist across several areas, making daytime outdoor activity difficult. Residents are unlikely to receive major relief over the next two days as temperatures between May 21 and 22 may still remain around 43°C to 45°C.
Rainfall activity is expected to increase across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha over the next few days. Gangetic West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha could witness strong thunderstorms accompanied by winds reaching speeds of up to 70 kmph. Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim are also under warning for very heavy rainfall on May 22 and 23.
Jammu and Kashmir may receive rain along with thunderstorms between May 20 and 22. Light to moderate rainfall is also expected in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Meanwhile, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh are likely to experience strong surface winds ranging between 20 and 40 kmph from May 20 to 25, which may provide slight relief from the scorching heat.
Farmers and Citizens Advised to Stay Alert: With weather conditions changing rapidly across the country, farmers have been advised to take precautions to protect standing crops from heavy rain and strong winds. People are also advised to avoid open areas during thunderstorms and lightning activity. In heatwave-affected regions, staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight during afternoon hours, and taking preventive measures against heat-related illnesses will be crucial over the coming days.
FAQs:
1. When is the southwest monsoon expected to reach Kerala?
The southwest monsoon is likely to reach the Kerala coast around May 26, according to IMD.
2. Which states are under severe heatwave alert?
Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Vidarbha are under heatwave to severe heatwave alert.
3. Which regions may receive heavy rainfall?
West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands may witness heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
4. What is the expected temperature in Delhi-NCR?
Delhi-NCR temperatures may remain between 44°C and 46°C over the next two days.
5. What precautions should farmers take during changing weather?
Farmers should protect standing crops from strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning, while also monitoring regular weather updates.
