When Will Delhi's Heatwave End? IMD Forecasts Rain, Thunderstorms and Temperature Drop

The India Meteorological Department has said that the intense heatwave over Delhi and large parts of North and Central India is set to ease, with thunderstorms and rain forecast over many regions from 30 May, while maximum temperatures are likely to drop before rising again in early June.

According to the IMD bulletin, "The prevailing heat wave has abated from most parts of Northwest India, and it is likely to abate from most parts of central India." Delhi residents already saw some relief, as light rainfall and cloudy skies brought down daytime discomfort for commuters.

IMD forecast heatwave rainfall and Delhi weather outlook

For Delhi, the IMD forecast shows a brief cool spell. Maximum temperatures are expected to hover between 34°C and 36°C on Saturday and Sunday, with partly cloudy conditions. The city is likely to see light rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds during this period, offering a break from the recent scorching spell.

Across Northwest India, the IMD also forecast a gradual fall in maximum temperatures by 5-7°C till 30 May. After this, temperatures are expected to climb again by about 5-7°C between 31 May and 4 June. This pattern suggests a short relief window before hotter conditions return in early June.

IMD forecast heatwave rainfall and thunderstorm alerts for North India

The weather agency has issued a thundersquall warning for 30 May for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan and Delhi, with wind speeds likely to reach 60-70 kmph and gusts up to 80 kmph. These states may also witness isolated hailstorms on the same day, adding to concerns over local damage and travel disruption.

Uttar Pradesh is expected to see a separate thundersquall event on 30 May, with winds of 50-60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph. Isolated heavy rain is also likely in the state on 30 May. Over Rajasthan, the IMD has warned of duststorms at isolated locations, which may continue till 2 June.

IMD forecast heatwave rainfall and conditions in hills and central India

Hilly states are also on alert, with scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall predicted in Jammu-Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh on 30 May. These showers will be accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds expected to reach 40-50 kmph, which could affect road travel and outdoor activity in these areas.

In Central India, the weather agency has flagged squally winds and the chance of isolated hailstorms across Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha through the end of May. These conditions follow several days of severe heat in the region, and the upcoming storms may bring both relief and short-term hazards.

IMD forecast heatwave rainfall and Southwest Monsoon progress

The Met Dept has also shared an update on the Southwest Monsoon, stating that conditions are favourable for further advancement into parts of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal over the next 2-3 days. Alongside this, the IMD has detailed separate rainfall forecasts for Northeast, East and South Peninsular India.

Isolated heavy rainfall is forecast over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura from 1 June to 4 June. The IMD expects heavy rain at isolated places in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe, Lakshadweep and coastal Andhra Pradesh between 30 May and 4 June. Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Odisha are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rain through 30 May.

The IMD projections show that while the ongoing heatwave is weakening over many northern and central areas, people should remain prepared for strong winds, hail and heavy showers in several regions, even as the Southwest Monsoon makes further progress over surrounding seas and brings more widespread rain to eastern, northeastern and southern parts of the country.