IMD Warns of Storms, Heatwaves and Early Monsoon Activity Across the Country
Jaipur: India is witnessing dramatic contrasts in weather conditions as the country enters a crucial seasonal transition phase. While northeastern and northern states are preparing for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds, western and central India continue to battle intense heatwave conditions. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon is likely to advance into parts of the Andaman Sea and the southern Bay of Bengal within the next 48 hours, indicating an early strengthening of monsoon activity.
Alongside this development, the IMD has issued an Orange Alert for severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in 17 states across northern and northeastern India. Wind speeds during these weather events may reach up to 70 kmph, increasing the risk of tree falls, power disruptions, and localized damage.
Southwest Monsoon May Enter Andaman Region by May 16
Meteorologists have indicated that the southwest monsoon could enter the Andaman Sea around May 16, slightly ahead of its normal schedule. Even before the official onset of the monsoon over mainland India, pre-monsoon activities have intensified significantly across eastern and northeastern states.
Heavy rainfall is expected in Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh over the coming days. Several districts in these states may witness lightning, thunderstorms, and strong gusty winds accompanied by moderate to very heavy showers.
Weather experts say this accelerated pre-monsoon activity reflects changing climatic patterns and shifting atmospheric conditions over the Indian Ocean region.
Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh: Temporary Relief Before Temperatures Rise Again
The national capital region witnessed a brief drop in temperatures after hailstorms and thunderstorms hit Delhi on May 13. According to the IMD, light rain and cloudy conditions may continue in parts of Delhi-NCR on May 14, keeping maximum temperatures near 36°C.
However, this relief is expected to be short-lived. From May 15 onward, temperatures are likely to rise sharply once again, with mercury levels expected to touch 41–42°C by the weekend.
In Uttar Pradesh, cities including Lucknow, Kanpur, and Prayagraj are expected to experience cloudy weather, light rain, and gusty winds ranging between 30 and 60 kmph. Thunderstorm activity may continue intermittently across several districts.
Bihar and Punjab Brace for Strong Thunderstorms
The weather department has warned that Bihar could witness highly unstable weather conditions between May 14 and May 17. On May 16 particularly, strong winds reaching up to 70 kmph, lightning strikes, and thunderstorms are expected in several districts.
Meanwhile, parts of Punjab including Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar are likely to witness dust storms and thunderstorms during evening hours. Authorities have advised farmers and residents to remain cautious during outdoor activities.
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh Continue Under Heatwave Grip
While eastern India prepares for rain, Rajasthan remains under severe heat stress. Districts such as Jaisalmer and Bikaner are expected to face intense heatwave conditions along with “warm night” warnings issued by the IMD.
In Jaipur and Ajmer, temperatures are likely to hover between 42°C and 43°C over the next few days. Hot and dry winds are expected to make daytime conditions extremely uncomfortable.
Similarly, parts of Madhya Pradesh including Bhopal and Ujjain may continue to experience heatwave-like conditions, affecting daily life and increasing the risk of dehydration and heatstroke.
Health officials have advised residents to avoid direct sunlight during afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and limit outdoor exposure.
Snowfall and Rain Likely in Himalayan Regions
In contrast to the scorching plains, the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand may witness fresh snowfall and rainfall on May 15 and 16. Areas including Lahaul-Spiti and Manali are expected to receive snowfall due to western disturbances affecting the Himalayan belt.
Tourist destinations such as Shimla and Nainital are likely to experience cool winds and pleasant weather, offering relief to visitors escaping the summer heat from northern plains.
Experts Link Extreme Contrasts to Climate Variability
Climate experts believe the simultaneous occurrence of severe heatwaves, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and snowfall across different regions reflects increasingly erratic weather behavior associated with climate variability and global warming.
The changing “weather geography” is expected to impact agriculture, water management, electricity demand, and disaster preparedness systems across India in the coming months.
Authorities across multiple states have been placed on alert as the country prepares for a potentially volatile weather period ahead of the full monsoon season.
