India is bracing for a week of turbulent weather, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for heavy rain and dust storms across multiple states. The forecast, valid from May 19th onwards, predicts a mixture of thunderstorms, strong winds, and heat, impacting daily life across the country.
Northwest India: Dust storms and rising temperatures are expected to persist over Northwest India. Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and western Uttar Pradesh will experience northwesterly winds of 25–35 kmph, strong enough to raise dust, particularly on May 16th and 17th. Rajasthan is expected to have dusty conditions until May 18th. The IMD also forecasts a 2–3°C rise in maximum temperatures in Northwest India before pre-monsoon heat intensifies. Delhi-NCR may see brief thunderstorms and gusty winds of up to 50 kmph.
Northeast India: Northeast India is bracing for light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 30-50 kmph until May 19th. Isolated areas of very heavy rainfall are expected over Assam and Meghalaya on May 16th and 17th, and Arunachal Pradesh on May 18th. Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura may also experience heavy downpours and thunderstorms. Residents are advised to stay indoors during lightning and avoid waterlogged areas.
South India: Southern states will continue to experience rainfall due to a cyclonic circulation over Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are expected to receive isolated heavy rainfall on May 16th and 17th. Interior Karnataka will face similar conditions until May 19th, while Kerala and Mahe are likely to experience heavy rainfall between May 18th and 19th. Squally winds reaching speeds of 50–60 kmph may affect coastal Tamil Nadu.
Central and East India: Isolated heavy rainfall is likely over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim between May 16th and 19th. Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh will witness thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, with Odisha potentially facing winds of up to 70 kmph on May 16th. Madhya Pradesh is set to experience a 2–3°C rise in maximum temperatures over the next three days, followed by stabilization.
Monsoon Update: The anticipated weather patterns also hint at the early onset of the monsoon in Kerala. Moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are expected to surge northward, bringing widespread rainfall, dust storms, and thunderstorms to northern regions. Temperatures across the northern plains, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, may drop by 3–4°C due to the rainfall and overcast skies.
Warnings and advice The IMD has urged people to stay indoors during lightning and avoid vulnerable waterlogged areas.