The India Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain, hailstorms, and extreme heat across multiple states through May 19, as pre-monsoon weather patterns tighten their grip.
India’s weather agency issued simultaneous warnings for thunderstorms and heatwaves on Wednesday, covering a wide swathe of the country from the Himalayas to the southern coast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) flagged violent weather for at least 20 states over the next seven days, with conditions worsening before they ease.
A well-marked low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal is driving moisture inland, while a Western Disturbance over Jammu is feeding instability across the north.
Storms in the East and Northeast
Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim face the most immediate danger. The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rainfall for the region on May 13, with heavy rain continuing through May 16. Authorities have advised residents in low-lying areas to avoid waterlogged roads and move away from vulnerable structures.
Jharkhand and Bihar face thundersqualls with winds reaching 50–60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph on May 14 and May 16 respectively. Hailstorms are also expected in Bihar today.
Arunachal Pradesh and Assam face heavy to very heavy rainfall through the coming week, raising the risk of landslides, riverine flooding, and crop damage.
Heatwave Grips the West and Centre
While storms pound the east, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are burning. The IMD recorded 46.1°C at Jaisalmer on Wednesday — the highest maximum temperature in the country. Severe heatwave conditions are expected to persist across West Rajasthan and West Madhya Pradesh through May 17.
Delhi will feel the heat from May 17 to 19, with heatwave conditions forecast for the capital alongside Punjab and Haryana. Light rain and dust storms may offer brief relief on May 13 and 14.
There is one piece of forward-looking news. The IMD said conditions are becoming favourable for the southwest monsoon to advance over the Andaman Sea and Andaman & Nicobar Islands around May 16 — roughly on schedule.
Until then, the department is urging people across storm-affected states to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours, unplug electrical appliances during lightning warnings, and stay away from open water bodies.
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