The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall across several states due to an upper cyclonic circulation forming in the Arabian Sea. The states most likely to be affected include Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, with the impact expected to begin on May 20 and continue through May 23.

The IMD has indicated that the upper air cyclonic circulation is expected to develop over the east-central Arabian Sea, off the Karnataka coast, around May 21. This weather system is anticipated to intensify into a low-pressure area around May 22, further increasing the likelihood of heavy rainfall. The weather office has also noted the persistence of an upper air cyclonic circulation over the northeast Arabian Sea off the south Gujarat coast.

Several alerts have been issued for different regions. Karnataka, including Bengaluru, is under a yellow alert until Thursday, with forecasts of moderate to heavy thundershowers, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 50-60 km/h. Some districts in North Interior and South Interior Karnataka are under an orange alert, signaling the possibility of very heavy rainfall. Coastal Karnataka is predicted to experience extremely heavy rain on May 20.

Kerala is also under an orange alert, with expectations of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds until May 24. The Konkan and Goa regions are likely to experience thunder squalls with wind speeds of 50-60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph, from May 20-23. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea during this period due to rough conditions.

In addition to the southern and western states, the IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Northeast India, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim over the next 5-6 days. These regions are also expected to experience thunderstorms and lightning, with gusty winds of 30-50 kmph.

While many parts of India brace for heavy rainfall, some northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan may continue to experience heatwave conditions. Delhi is expected to have partly cloudy conditions with light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds.

The IMD has advised residents in the affected areas to stay alert and follow weather warnings. Authorities are also taking precautions, with emergency plans activated in cities like Bengaluru to manage potential tree falls and waterlogging.