IMD Issues High-Alert: Rains To Drench South India, Delhi; Heatwave To Persist In UP, MP, Rajasthan

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a high-alert weather warning, forecasting heavy rainfall across extensive regions of India in the coming week.

According to an advisory released on Sunday, potential weather disruptions are anticipated in both coastal and northeastern parts of the country between 18 and 24 May.

Photo Credit: PTI

The west coast-including Karnataka, Konkan, Goa, and Kerala-and adjoining areas of Peninsular India are set to experience intense rainfall from 18 to 24 May. These regions are likely to see continuous downpours, prompting concerns over localised flooding and waterlogging.

The IMD advisory forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall, along with thunderstorms and lightning, across Northeast India, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim over the next five to six days.

Gusty winds, ranging from 30 to 50 km/h, are expected to sweep through these regions, heightening the risk of falling trees and minor structural damage.

Weather in Delhi

In Delhi, the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy, with very light to light rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 30-40 km/h, and temporarily peaking at up to 50 km/h during storm activity.

Maximum temperatures are forecast to range between 38-40°C, while minimum temperatures are expected to remain between 27-29°C.

Rainfall in Southern India

Isolated heavy rainfall is expected over several southern states. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal may receive rain between 18 and 20 May. Kerala, Mahe, Coastal Karnataka, and North Interior Karnataka are forecast to experience rain from 18 to 24 May. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam are likely to see showers from 20 to 22 May, while Rayalaseema may be affected from 18 to 20 May, and South Interior Karnataka from 18 to 21 May.

Furthermore, very heavy rainfall is predicted in Coastal Karnataka between 20 and 22 May, South Interior Karnataka from 18 to 20 May, and North Interior Karnataka from 19 to 22 May. Extremely heavy rainfall is also likely in parts of Coastal Karnataka on 20 May.

Northeast India

In Northeast India, isolated heavy showers are expected over Arunachal Pradesh from 18 to 20 May, Assam and Meghalaya from 18 to 24 May, and Tripura and Nagaland on 18 May.

Assam and Meghalaya may witness isolated very heavy rainfall between 18 and 20 May.

The IMD has additionally warned of thunder squalls with wind speeds of 50-60 km/h, gusting up to 70 km/h, across Konkan and Goa between 20 and 23 May, as well as over Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada during the week.

Weather in Himachal and Uttarakhand

Isolated hailstorms are forecast in Himachal Pradesh on 19 May, and in Uttarakhand on 19 and 20 May.

Other areas, including Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, are also expected to witness isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds-particularly from 18 to 20 May.

Heatwave Conditions in UP, Rajasthan, and MP

According to the latest IMD bulletin, heatwave conditions are likely to prevail in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh from 16 to 22 May.

West Rajasthan is expected to endure heatwave conditions throughout this period, while Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir may be affected on 16 and 17 May. North Madhya Pradesh is forecast to experience these conditions on 18 and 19 May.