As the pre-monsoon season intensifies, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a mix of extreme weather events across the country. From severe heatwaves in Rajasthan and Haryana to torrential rains in the southern and northeastern states, the week ahead will test both infrastructure and resilience.
Northwest India Swelters Under Heat and Dust Storms
The IMD has warned that intense heatwave conditions will persist in parts of west Rajasthan from May 19 to 24, with east Rajasthan joining the heat spell until May 22. Haryana is also expected to sizzle between May 19 and 21. Adding to the discomfort, hot and humid weather will dominate Odisha on May 19 and 20, while unusually warm nights will prevail in isolated pockets of Haryana and Rajasthan.
Meanwhile, dust storms with wind speeds reaching 40–50 km/h are expected to sweep across west Rajasthan from May 19 to 22, and across Punjab and Haryana on May 19. Isolated hailstorms are also likely over Himachal Pradesh on May 19 and over Uttarakhand on May 19 and 20.
While the northwest faces dry heat, the south will be soaked. Extremely heavy rainfall is forecast in isolated areas of Karnataka on May 20 and 21, and in Konkan on May 21. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal are also expected to see very heavy downpours on May 19 and 20, alongside Assam and Meghalaya. Kerala, Mahe, and Madhya Maharashtra will continue to receive significant rainfall until at least May 23.
The southern states, including Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, are set for widespread rain with thunderstorms and gusty winds throughout the week. Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and Marathwada are bracing for squally weather, with wind speeds of 50–60 km/h gusting up to 70 km/h.
Eastern and Northeastern States in Rain’s Path
In the eastern states, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, and Bihar are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall from May 19 to 22, while Jharkhand faces similar conditions on May 19 and 20. Thunder squalls with wind speeds up to 70 km/h are expected in Gangetic West Bengal on May 19 and in Chhattisgarh on May 21.
The Northeast will experience fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rainfall over the next seven days, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds between 30–50 km/h. Isolated areas in Assam and Meghalaya may see very heavy rain on May 19 and 20.
Delhi-NCR to See Storms and Light Rain
Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region can expect partly cloudy skies, with very light to light rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds from May 19 to 22. Wind speeds could momentarily touch 50 km/h during thunderstorms.
In a promising sign, the IMD reports that conditions are now favourable for the further advance of the southwest monsoon into additional parts of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and northeastern India over the next 2–3 days.
With large parts of the country either bracing for intense heat or heavy rainfall, authorities are urging citizens to stay alert and prepared. Whether it’s protecting against sunstroke or ensuring flood safety, vigilance will be key as India’s climate rollercoaster continues.