After days of relentless heat and soaring temperatures, parts of North and Central India are expected to receive much needed relief as a fresh Western Disturbance moves across the region. The weather system is likely to trigger thunderstorms, hailstorms, dust storms and strong winds while the southwest monsoon continues its gradual advance over the country.
The contrasting weather conditions across India remained evident this week. Southern states witnessed widespread rainfall, with several areas in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands receiving significant precipitation. Bhoothpur in Telangana’s Mahabubnagar district recorded the highest rainfall of the day at 11 centimetres. Isolated hailstorms were also reported from parts of Marathwada and Uttarakhand.
Meanwhile, northern and central regions continued to battle intense heatwave conditions. East Uttar Pradesh experienced severe heatwave conditions, while Haryana, West Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh also remained under the grip of extreme temperatures.
Amid rising temperatures, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to take precautions against heat-related illnesses. He advised people to stay hydrated, carry water while travelling, and remain alert to symptoms of heat exhaustion such as dizziness and fatigue. The Prime Minister also encouraged people to place water bowls for birds and animals affected by the scorching weather.
Meteorologists have forecast a significant change in weather conditions with the arrival of a strong Western Disturbance. Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, and West Uttar Pradesh are expected to experience thunderstorms accompanied by winds reaching 60 to 70 kilometres per hour, with gusts potentially touching 80 kilometres per hour. East Uttar Pradesh could also witness powerful squalls and isolated hailstorms.
Hailstorm activity is likely in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Gangetic West Bengal. Dust storms are expected in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, while heavy rainfall may occur at isolated locations in Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry.
Despite the expected storm activity, heatwave conditions are likely to persist in several regions, including Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Telangana, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Severe heatwave conditions may continue in parts of East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and West Rajasthan.
There is encouraging news regarding the southwest monsoon as well. The monsoon has advanced further into parts of the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep, the Bay of Bengal, and the remaining areas of the Andaman Sea. Weather experts believe conditions will remain favourable for its further progression over the next few days.
A major drop in temperatures is expected across Northwest India between May 28 and May 30, with mercury levels likely to fall by 6 to 8 degrees Celsius. The anticipated cooling could provide substantial relief to millions of people in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana who have endured weeks of intense heat.
While the monsoon’s arrival has been slightly delayed, its steady advance and the impact of the Western Disturbance suggest that the worst phase of the current heatwave may soon come to an end.