As the weather patterns shift across India, a mix of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and rising temperatures are making headlines this week. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), various regions are experiencing significantly different weather conditions, with some areas facing intense heat while others welcome much-needed rain.
In Delhi-NCR, a recent bout of rain has provided some relief from the sweltering heat. The IMD has forecasted that the coming days will see thunderstorms and rain in the capital and surrounding areas. Specifically, the IMD reports, "there is a possibility of rain with thunder in Delhi in the coming days," indicating that residents might want to keep their umbrellas handy.
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand is bracing for severe weather as the IMD has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall across several districts. The alert is in effect from May 9 to May 11, 2025, covering five districts including Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli. According to Dr. Vikram Singh, director of the meteorological center in Dehradun, "from May 9, the state will experience rain, dust storms, and hailstorms."
On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the weather department predicts thunderstorms and lightning across Uttarakhand, with the possibility of hailstorms and strong winds. The maximum temperature in Dehradun is expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius, while the minimum will hover around 19 degrees. This follows a previous day where Dehradun recorded a maximum of 34.9 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 20.3 degrees Celsius.
In the northern regions, including parts of Uttar Pradesh, the weather department has issued a rain alert for 21 districts. With temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius in over 15 districts, meteorologist Atul Kumar Singh noted that the effects of the western disturbance and weather systems are beginning to weaken. He warned that by the end of May, temperatures could soar to 45 degrees Celsius, with a potential rise of 3 to 5 degrees Celsius expected in the next 48 hours.
Across the country, the IMD has also indicated that the weather will be unstable in the northwestern and central parts of India over the next five days, with predictions of rain, lightning, and strong winds. This comes after a period of intense heat that affected states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand during the last week of April.
Jaisalmer recorded the highest temperature in the past week at 41 degrees Celsius, which is slightly below the normal for this time of year. However, the overall trend indicates that while some regions are experiencing heatwaves, others are benefiting from pre-monsoon rains. Private weather agency Skymet Weather has noted that a decline in pre-monsoon rainfall activities is expected next week, which may lead to increased temperatures in the eastern and southern parts of the country.
In the last 24 hours, light to moderate rainfall has been reported in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as in states like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The weather department is keeping a close eye on these developments.
The IMD's predictions for today include light to moderate rainfall in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with similar weather expected in Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, and parts of western Himalayan regions. Areas like Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Delhi-NCR may also see some light showers.
In Dehradun, the air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 105 on Friday, which falls into the poor category, indicating that residents should be cautious about outdoor activities. As the weather continues to fluctuate, it’s crucial for the public to stay informed through updates from the IMD and local meteorological services.
In summary, India is currently experiencing a mixed bag of weather conditions, with some regions enjoying relief from the heat while others prepare for severe thunderstorms and rain. As the country moves deeper into May, these weather patterns are expected to evolve, and residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for changing conditions.
