The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a nationwide alert as extreme weather patterns continue to grip different regions of the country. While the Northeast braces for intense rainfall, large parts of central, eastern, western, and southern India are expected to experience heatwave conditions through the week.
Extremely Heavy Rainfall in Meghalaya on May 13
The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places over Meghalaya on May 13, 2025. The Northeast will continue to receive fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph, occasionally gusting up to 50 kmph, over the next five days.
Heavy Showers for Sub-Himalayan Regions and Nicobar Islands
The eastern Himalayan foothills will also witness strong weather activity:
- Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim from May 12 to 15.
- Nicobar Islands are expected to receive isolated heavy rainfall on May 13 and 14.
Heatwave Conditions Worsen Across Plains and Peninsular India
In stark contrast to the rain in the Northeast, heatwave conditions will continue to build in large parts of India. Temperatures are likely to soar above normal levels, especially in northwestern, central, and eastern regions, with high humidity adding to the discomfort.
Heatwave warnings include:
- May 12–14: Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Bihar, eastern and southern India.
- May 12–15: Gangetic West Bengal.
- May 13–14: Jharkhand.
- May 13–15: North coastal Odisha.
- May 14–17: East Uttar Pradesh.
- May 15–17: West Uttar Pradesh.
- May 17: Western Rajasthan.
Western India to See Thunderstorms, Winds up to 60 kmph
Parts of western India are also expected to see isolated light to moderate rainfall with strong gusty winds:
- Madhya Maharashtra (May 12–15): Thunderstorms with winds at 40–50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph.
- Konkan & Goa (May 13): Winds at 30–40 kmph, gusting to 50 kmph.
- Marathwada (May 12–13) and Gujarat (May 12) will also witness light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds.
Central & Eastern India: Rainfall with Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds
Parts of central and eastern India will be affected by isolated to scattered rainfall along with thunderstorms and strong winds:
- Western Madhya Pradesh (May 12–13): Winds up to 60 kmph.
- Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Sikkim (May 12–15): Thunderstorm activity to continue.
- Eastern Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Jharkhand (May 12–13): Gusty winds up to 50 kmph.
- Bihar and Jharkhand (May 15) are also likely to see a return of rain and thunderstorms.
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands (May 13–15): Gusty conditions will persist.
Southern India: Isolated Heavy Rainfall in Tamil Nadu and Rayalaseema
Southern states will experience isolated heavy rainfall in the coming days:
- Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal (May 13–15).
- Rayalaseema (May 14–16).
Conclusion: Nation Gripped by Contrasting Weather Extremes
India is currently witnessing sharp contrasts in weather—with torrential rainfall and thunderstorms in the Northeast and coastal regions, and relentless heatwaves in the plains and interior parts. The IMD has advised caution for people in both high-rainfall and heat-affected regions. With thunderstorms, gusty winds, and soaring temperatures expected to persist, preparedness remains critical across multiple states this week.