The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heatwave conditions across several parts of north and central India over the coming days, while thunderstorms and rainfall activity are expected in parts of southern, eastern and northeastern states.
According to the weather department, isolated pockets of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha are likely to experience heatwave conditions between May 19 and May 24. Severe heatwave conditions are also expected in parts of Uttar Pradesh during the same period.
Speaking on the prevailing weather conditions in Rajasthan, Radhe Shyam Sharma, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Jaipur, said temperatures in western Rajasthan, the Shekhawati region and parts of the Kota division have crossed 45 degrees Celsius.
He said the weather is expected to remain dry across the state for the next week, with temperatures in western border districts likely to remain between 44 and 46 degrees Celsius. Most parts of eastern Rajasthan are expected to record temperatures between 42 and 43 degrees Celsius. The IMD has also predicted warm night conditions in parts of Rajasthan, west Uttar Pradesh and Vidarbha.
Monsoon Update
The weather department said the southwest monsoon has advanced further over parts of the southeast Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. Conditions remain favourable for further advancement over the next three to four days.
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According to the IMD, the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Kerala around May 26, with a model error margin of plus or minus four days.
Rainfall And Thunderstorm Forecast
In northeast India, scattered to fairly widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is expected over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura over the next few days. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also likely in parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya between May 21 and May 24.
In south peninsular India, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 60 kmph are likely over Kerala, Lakshadweep, Karnataka, Telangana, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema. The IMD has also forecast isolated heavy rainfall in parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Coastal Karnataka and Lakshadweep during the week.
In eastern India, thunderstorms and gusty winds are likely over Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Thundersquall activity with wind speeds up to 70 kmph may occur in isolated areas of Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal between May 19 and May 21.
For northwest India, light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms is expected in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh over the next few days. Strong surface winds are also likely over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
Maharashtra Weather
In western India, isolated light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is likely over parts of Madhya Maharashtra and Konkan-Goa on May 19 and May 20.
The IMD said there is no significant change expected in maximum temperatures over Maharashtra and Gujarat until May 19, followed by a gradual fall of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius from May 20 onwards.
The weather department has advised people in heatwave-affected areas to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, stay hydrated and take precautions during peak afternoon hours.