The weather across India has taken a significant turn in May 2025, as multiple regions experience a shift in climatic conditions due to the activation of western disturbances. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for several states, forecasting a mix of heat, thunderstorms, and rainfall in the days ahead.
In Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), residents are currently enjoying pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 36°C, which is slightly below the normal range by about 0.5°C. The IMD has predicted a chance of rain on May 9, 2025, and expects the pleasant weather to continue for the next four to five days.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh is experiencing rising daytime temperatures, particularly in cities like Lucknow. Although daytime heat is becoming more pronounced, the nights provide some relief. The weather department forecasts that daytime temperatures could increase by 3-5 degrees over the next four days, followed by a potential decrease of 2-3 degrees, along with the possibility of thunderstorms and rain.
In Uttarakhand, the IMD has issued orange and yellow alerts for several districts, warning of heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and thunderstorms. Areas such as Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Nainital, and Champawat are under alert. Pilgrims traveling to the Char Dham have been advised to exercise caution due to the anticipated severe weather.
Rajasthan has also seen a weather shift since May 2, 2025, with alerts for rain and dust storms issued across 22 districts, including Ajmer, Banswara, Baran, Bhilwara, Kota, and Udaipur. The change in weather has led to a drop in temperatures, creating a more pleasant atmosphere.
In Jammu and Kashmir, heavy rainfall has triggered landslides in Ramban district, blocking roads. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for the region from May 9 to 12, 2025, predicting strong winds and possible cloudbursts in certain areas. After May 13, a rise in temperatures is expected.
Chhattisgarh is also experiencing a shift in weather patterns, with pleasant conditions prevailing for several days. The IMD forecasts thunderstorms and heavy winds in southern Chhattisgarh, along with warnings of hail in some districts. Fortunately, heat waves are not expected, and maximum temperatures are currently recorded at 6-7 degrees below normal.
In Madhya Pradesh, the weather on May 8, 2025, has been notably variable. Dhar received about one inch of rain, while light showers were reported in Indore, Ujjain, Ratlam, Shivpuri, Mandla, and Seoni. This precipitation has led to a decrease in daytime temperatures across the state. Bhopal recorded a temperature of 31.7 degrees Celsius, while Indore saw 30.8 degrees, and Gwalior reached 35.4 degrees. Notably, no city exceeded 40 degrees Celsius on this day, with Narsinghpur recording the highest at 39.4 degrees.
Senior meteorologist Dr. Divya E. Surendran explained that the recent weather changes in Madhya Pradesh are attributed to the influence of Western Disturbances, a trough, and cyclonic circulation. Alerts have been issued for several districts, and similar weather is expected to persist until May 11, 2025.
May is traditionally the hottest month in the region, with temperatures often soaring to 47-48 degrees Celsius in previous years. The IMD highlights that while heat waves can occur during the day, nights also tend to remain warm. Rainfall is also a common occurrence in May, and this year has already seen significant precipitation.
Looking back at the weather trends for April 2025, the state experienced a mix of intense heat and rainfall. The second week of April saw widespread rainfall, affecting about 80% of the state. The maximum daytime temperatures ranged from 40 to 44 degrees Celsius, with heat waves reported in several districts.
In Jharkhand, the weather is also changing, with the IMD issuing a special alert regarding temperature forecasts. From May 9 to 15, maximum temperatures are expected to range between 36 and 42 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures may reach up to 29 degrees. The IMD has indicated that rainfall will be below normal during this initial week but may increase significantly in the following week.
During the past two weeks, Jharkhand recorded 24.6 mm of rainfall, which is 205% more than the normal of 8.1 mm. Most districts reported above-normal rainfall, with no areas completely dry. Overall, the season has seen 131% more rain than average, with a total of 100.7 mm recorded from May 1 to 8, 2025.
As the weather continues to evolve across India, residents are urged to stay informed about changing conditions and heed any warnings issued by local meteorological departments. With the onset of the monsoon season approaching, the balance between heat and rainfall will be crucial for agriculture and daily life in the coming weeks.
