IMD Warns of Prolonged Severe Heatwave as Monsoon Advances Slowly Across India

India is set to witness an intense mix of severe heatwave conditions and advancing monsoon activity over the next week, according to the latest bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). While northwest, central and eastern parts of the country continue to reel under extreme temperatures touching nearly 48°C, heavy to very heavy rainfall has already started lashing several southern and northeastern states as the Southwest Monsoon gradually advances further into the Indian subcontinent.

The IMD has warned that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to persist across the plains of northwest India, central India, east India and parts of peninsular India during the next six to seven days. At the same time, isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over Kerala, Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim and several northeastern states during the coming days.

According to the IMD, the Northern Limit of Monsoon currently passes through parts of the southeast Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. Weather conditions are becoming increasingly favourable for the further advance of the Southwest Monsoon into more parts of the southeast Arabian Sea, Comorin region, southwest and southeast Bay of Bengal and the remaining Andaman Sea over the next two to three days.

The country witnessed highly contrasting weather during the last 24 hours. Kerala recorded extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 21 cm at isolated locations, while heavy to very heavy rainfall was also reported from Assam. Heavy rain activity was additionally recorded over Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Rayalaseema and South Interior Karnataka. Hailstorms struck isolated areas of South Interior Karnataka, while thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds reaching up to 120 kmph battered parts of Assam and Meghalaya.

Meanwhile, intense heat continued to grip large parts of north and central India. Severe heatwave conditions prevailed over East Uttar Pradesh and Vidarbha, while heatwave conditions affected Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh. Warm night conditions were also observed in parts of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Vidarbha and East Madhya Pradesh, worsening discomfort for residents.

The highest maximum temperature in the country was recorded at Banda in Uttar Pradesh, where mercury touched a scorching 47.6°C. Across northwest, west, central and adjoining eastern India, daytime temperatures remained in the range of 40°C to 47°C. IMD officials stated that there is no significant relief expected from the heat in most parts of the country until at least May 28.

The weather agency has issued severe heatwave warnings for several states. Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are expected to remain under heatwave to severe heatwave conditions from May 22 to May 28. Severe heatwave conditions are also likely over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi between May 24 and May 27. Rajasthan, particularly western parts of the state, is expected to experience intense heatwave conditions during May 24–28.

Vidarbha in Maharashtra is also likely to remain under severe heatwave conditions till May 26, while coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam may witness severe heat between May 22 and 24. Heatwave conditions are additionally expected over Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand over the coming days.

Delhi-NCR is expected to continue facing oppressive heat conditions. The IMD forecast suggests maximum temperatures between 44°C and 46°C till May 25, accompanied by strong surface winds gusting up to 45 kmph. Although isolated thunderstorm development is possible on May 23, no major temperature drop is expected. Authorities have advised residents to avoid prolonged exposure to heat, remain hydrated and wear lightweight cotton clothing.

While northern India battles scorching temperatures, monsoon-linked rainfall is intensifying over southern and northeastern regions. Kerala and Lakshadweep are likely to receive widespread rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds till May 26. Isolated heavy rainfall is expected over Kerala and Mahe till May 28, while Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep may continue to receive heavy showers till May 26.

In northeast India, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura are likely to witness widespread rain and thunderstorms over the next several days. Very heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh between May 23 and 25. The IMD has warned that localized flooding, landslides and waterlogging may occur in vulnerable hilly and urban areas.

Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim are also expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall till May 26, while Bihar may witness isolated heavy rainfall around May 25. Thunderstorms with strong winds gusting up to 70 kmph are likely over Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and Gangetic West Bengal on different days during the forecast period.

Several weather systems are currently influencing India’s weather pattern, including a western disturbance over north Pakistan, multiple cyclonic circulations over Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Assam, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, along with trough systems extending across the subcontinent. These systems are collectively driving both the advancing monsoon activity and severe convective weather.

The IMD has also issued advisories for fishermen, asking them not to venture into several parts of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal due to rough sea conditions and strong winds. Coastal regions along Kerala, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Maldives and the Gulf of Mannar are expected to witness adverse sea conditions over the coming days.

Agricultural advisories have also been issued across states. Farmers in heatwave-affected areas have been advised to provide frequent irrigation and mulching to standing crops, while those in heavy rainfall regions have been asked to ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogging. Horticulture growers have been warned about potential crop damage due to strong winds, hailstorms and excessive rainfall.

The IMD has urged citizens to remain alert, especially in red and orange alert areas where the risk of heatstroke, flooding, landslides and thunderstorm-related damage remains high. Authorities are closely monitoring the evolving weather systems as India heads deeper into the pre-monsoon transition phase.