India is witnessing a sharp contrast in weather patterns, with scorching heat in some regions and heavy rainfall in others. The India Meteorological Department has indicated that the southwest monsoon may arrive earlier than usual this year, even as heatwave conditions intensify across large parts of the country.
According to meteorologists, the monsoon generally reaches the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by the end of May. This time, however, there is a strong likelihood of its onset around May 20. A similar early arrival is expected over Kerala, suggesting a quicker progression of the monsoon across southern India.
Heatwave alert for north and central regions
While the monsoon edges closer, northern and central India are bracing for a spell of extreme heat. IMD forecasts indicate that western Rajasthan will experience intense heat between May 16 and May 21, with severe heatwave conditions likely from May 18 to May 21.
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Uttar Pradesh is also set to face difficult conditions, particularly on May 17, 18 and 19, when temperatures could become dangerously high in several districts. Other regions including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Maharashtra are expected to see rising temperatures and heatwave-like conditions in the coming days.
Maximum temperatures across northwest India may climb by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius by May 18. In the western Himalayan belt, temperatures could rise even more sharply, increasing by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius by May 21. Coastal areas such as Konkan and Goa are likely to experience hot and humid weather, while parts of Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha may remain uncomfortably warm even during the night.
Storms and rain offer brief relief
Despite the rising heat, some regions may get short-term relief. The weather office has forecast light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
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Similar conditions are expected over Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal over the next few days, with wind speeds potentially reaching 50 to 60 kmph.
Heavy rainfall likely in northeast and south
Parts of northeast and southern India are likely to receive significant rainfall. Between May 16 and May 18, heavy to very heavy rain is expected in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, northern districts of West Bengal and Sikkim.
Heavy rainfall alerts have also been issued for Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kodaikanal and Karnataka, indicating an active pre-monsoon phase across these regions.
