Severe heatwave in North India, heavy rain forecast for South and East next week

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stern warning regarding the continuation of severe heatwave conditions in several states across North India from May 19 to May 22. Regions including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh-Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh are expected to experience scorching temperatures ranging between 43°C and 46°C during this period. Such extreme heat can pose significant health risks, including heatstroke and dehydration, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those working outdoors.

Moreover, the IMD has highlighted that similar heatwave conditions are also anticipated in parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha. While temperatures in these areas may not reach the same peak levels as in the North, they are still expected to remain 2-4°C above normal.


Residents across the affected regions are strongly urged to take precautionary measures to safeguard themselves from the adverse effects of extreme heat. Staying indoors during the hottest hours of the day, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities are some of the recommended precautions.


While northern India contends with scorching temperatures, southern and eastern regions are most likely to encounter significant rainfall and stormy conditions in the coming week. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe, Lakshadweep, and southern Karnataka are forecasted to experience widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds over the next six to seven days.


If reports are to go by, isolated instances of heavy rainfall are also anticipated in coastal Karnataka from May 19 to May 22, south Interior Karnataka from May 21 to May 22, and Lakshadweep from May 19 to May 21.


Tamil Nadu residents should brace for intense rainfall until May 21, with similar conditions expected in south interior Karnataka from May 19-20. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands will experience widespread light to moderate rainfall over the next week, with isolated heavy rainfall possible over the Nicobar Islands between May 20-22.

Also read: Visa-free travel agreement between India, Russia likely by end of 2024

Residents in the eastern and northeastern regions should prepare for scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura are likely to experience similar weather conditions for the next five days, with isolated heavy rainfall anticipated in Sikkim from May 19-20 and in Arunachal Pradesh on May 19. Assam and Meghalaya may witness very heavy rainfall, particularly intense on May 19th and 20th in Meghalaya.

Also read: Kodaikanal: 5 best things to do if you are in town for 61st Kodai Vizha

An incoming Western Disturbance is poised to trigger isolated to scattered light rainfall along with thunderstorms and lightning across Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad and Himachal Pradesh on May 19, while Uttarakhand can expect similar weather conditions in the upcoming week. Additionally, strong surface winds are expected in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan in the next five days.