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- By Surarika Das
- Fri, 01 May 2026 04:24 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted shocking changes in which parts of India are likely to experience extreme changes in the rainfall and heatwave conditions in the month of May. While some states are on high alert for intensified heatwaves, much of the country is expected to see above-normal rainfall as the stage is set for an early monsoon arrival.
Extreme Heatwaves To Hit Parts Of India
According to the IMD, parts of the foothills of the Himalayas, east coast states, Gujarat, and Maharashtra would most likely experience above-normal heatwaves. In a statement, Director General of Meteorology, IMD, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, said, "During May 2026, minimum temperatures are expected to be above normal across many parts of the country."
"However, many areas of northwest India, along with some parts of central India and adjoining areas of peninsular India and southern parts of northeast India, are likely to experience normal to below-normal minimum temperatures," he said.
The weather department has also put the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, Maharashtra, southern parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, northern UP, and Bihar as well as coastal states like Tamil Nadu and Odisha on high alert for heatwaves.
According to the forecast, the regions are expected to experience at least 3-4 more heatwave days than normal.
Extreme Rainfall Predicted In Several Areas
The IMD also said that rainfall in May is most likely to be above normal over India, barring some parts of east, northeast, and east central India, where below-normal rainfall is likely. A mixed weather pattern, accompanied by wetter than usual conditions, is expected to hit several regions in the month of May.
The IMD anticipates that rainfall for May will be above normal across India, with the southwest monsoon expected to reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands around May 14-16. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology at the IMD, noted that May 2026 would likely see above-normal minimum temperatures across many parts of the country.
Rainfall is expected to be favorable across much of the country, with normal to above-normal precipitation likely in most regions. However, parts of east and northeast India and east-central India may receive below-normal rainfall.
Temperatures at night are expected to stay warmer than usual in most regions. Some pockets of northwest and central India, along with adjoining peninsular and northeastern areas, may still record normal to below-normal minimum temperatures.
The wet weather is expected to improve soil moisture and aid preparations for the upcoming kharif season. However, excess rain in some areas may disrupt harvesting operations and increase the risk of crop damage due to waterlogging and fungal infections.
Why Are These Changes Occurring?
The extreme weather changes are recorded due to evolving oceanic conditions. The IMD said neutral conditions in the Pacific are gradually transitioning towards El Niño, with climate models indicating its development during the southwest monsoon season. At the same time, neutral Indian Ocean Dipole conditions prevail, with a positive phase likely to emerge towards the latter part of the monsoon.
The combined effect of these climate drivers could influence rainfall distribution and temperature patterns in the coming months.