The India Meteorological Department has issued orange alerts for several states across the country as India experiences a mix of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hailstorms and intense heat conditions on May 1.
Odisha remains under orange alert due to hot and humid weather, while states in the Northeast, including Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram and Tripura, along with parts of West Bengal, are on alert for heavy rainfall. Karnataka has also been placed under orange alert due to expected hailstorm activity.
According to the weather department, South Interior Karnataka is likely to witness isolated hailstorms along with thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour. Bengaluru, which recently experienced intense hailstorm activity, is expected to receive light to moderate rain and thundershowers across several areas. However, the orange rainfall alert for Bengaluru rural and urban has been lifted.
The IMD has said a fresh western disturbance is likely to impact the Western Himalayan region from May 2, which may cause temperatures in northwest India to rise gradually by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius until Saturday. After that, temperatures are expected to fall by 3 to 5 degrees over the following three days.
In Maharashtra, heatwave conditions are likely to continue in some regions, particularly in Vidarbha, where temperatures remain extremely high. Chandrapur recorded the highest maximum temperature at 44.6 degrees Celsius. Similar heatwave conditions are expected in western Rajasthan over the next two days.
Hot and humid weather is also likely to persist in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry until May 4, while Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema are expected to experience similar conditions until May 2.
The weather department has warned of widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds across Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim and Northeast India during the week. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura over the coming days.
In Kolkata, the IMD has issued a yellow alert and forecasted light to moderate rain and thunderstorms for several districts in South Bengal. Areas including North and South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore and Jhargram are likely to witness lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour.
Delhi residents can expect partly cloudy skies today, with maximum temperatures likely to remain between 39 and 41 degrees Celsius and minimum temperatures between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius. The weather office said temperatures in the national capital will remain above normal, although no immediate severe weather warning has been issued.
The latest forecast reflects a sharp contrast in weather conditions across the country, with eastern and northeastern regions preparing for intense rainfall while western and central regions continue to deal with heatwave and humid weather conditions. Authorities have advised residents in affected regions to remain cautious, especially in areas vulnerable to thunderstorms, lightning and extreme heat.