India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy rainfall across the southern and northeastern regions, while states in northern and central India brace for prolonged heatwave conditions.
The country’s weather pattern, marked by stark contrasts, is raising concerns about both urban flooding in coastal areas and rising health risks in heat-affected zones. According to the latest IMD bulletin issued on Sunday, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected between May 18 and May 24 across parts of the west coast, including Kerala, Karnataka, Konkan, Goa, and adjoining areas of peninsular India. These regions are likely to experience consistent downpours, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds, intensifying the risk of waterlogging, transport disruption, and short-term power outages in low-lying urban localities.
Officials have cautioned that localised flooding may be observed in pockets of Kerala and coastal Karnataka, especially in urban centres where rapid construction and inadequate drainage systems tend to magnify the impact of heavy rain. Experts have stressed the need for state and city authorities to activate monsoon-preparedness protocols and ensure sustainable stormwater management to avoid preventable disruptions. In the national capital, Delhi, light to moderate rain is expected this week, with overcast skies, brief thunderstorms, and wind speeds reaching up to 50 km/h during intense weather events. While such showers are not unusual during the pre-monsoon phase, the city’s dense built environment and concrete heat traps continue to amplify daytime temperatures, with maximum readings likely to remain between 38°C and 40°C.
The expected showers in Delhi may provide temporary relief from the scorching heat, but they are unlikely to substantially lower the city’s average temperatures, according to weather officials. Thunderstorm activity is forecast to occur mainly in the evenings, driven by moisture inflow from the Arabian Sea. In sharp contrast to the wet outlook in the south and northeast, large parts of northwestern and central India will continue to suffer under severe heat. Heatwave conditions have already begun taking hold in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, with temperatures expected to hover around 45°C in several districts over the next four to five days.
According to IMD’s advisory, West Rajasthan will remain under severe heatwave warning from May 16 to May 22, while similar conditions are forecast in East Uttar Pradesh and northern parts of Madhya Pradesh between May 18 and 20. Some areas of Jammu and Kashmir also reported unusually high day temperatures, prompting the weather agency to issue short-term heat warnings. Public health experts have called for stronger public messaging around heatwave protection, especially for low-income populations, street vendors, construction workers, and the elderly who are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses. They have recommended community cooling centres, shaded zones at public intersections, and hydration camps as short-term, life-saving interventions while cities work toward longer-term heat action plans.
Meanwhile, the northeastern states, along with Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, are expected to receive heavy rainfall through the week. These areas will likely witness thunderstorms with lightning, heavy showers, and strong winds in the 30–50 km/h range, making them vulnerable to localised damage, including fallen trees and minor infrastructure impacts. Mountainous terrain and saturated soils in these regions may further trigger landslides in some areas. The IMD has also issued thunderstorm and gusty wind alerts for parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Isolated hailstorms are likely in Himachal on May 19 and in Uttarakhand on May 19 and 20. These events may affect crop stability in some districts and impact seasonal tourism, particularly in the hill stations which have recently seen a surge in summer footfall.
Experts have reiterated the link between increasing weather extremes and long-term climate trends, urging state governments to not only respond with short-term weather advisories but also invest in climate-resilient infrastructure. With urban heat stress worsening year-on-year and flooding incidents becoming more frequent in southern cities, planners and civic bodies are being pushed to rethink their urban development models. Rainfall-related alerts have also been extended to Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada, where thunderstorms with gusty winds are expected later in the week. In some western regions such as Konkan and Goa, wind gusts may reach 70 km/h between May 20 and May 23, disrupting transport and coastal activities.
This evolving weather picture brings into sharp focus the uneven climate burdens faced by Indian cities. While southern metros like Kochi and Bengaluru face the dual challenge of intense rains and urban sprawl, cities in northern plains like Jaipur, Lucknow, and Bhopal are struggling with heatwaves, water scarcity, and power grid stress. The IMD has urged state disaster management authorities and local civic bodies to remain on high alert and keep emergency response systems ready. For coastal cities, this includes clearing drainage systems, securing construction materials, and issuing timely public warnings. For heatwave-affected zones, governments have been advised to enforce early closure of schools, restrict labour work during peak hours, and provide uninterrupted water supply and power backups.
India’s cities, already under pressure from climate stress, need urgent, integrated planning responses to avoid long-term damage. As extreme weather events become more frequent and unpredictable, experts warn that without low-carbon, climate-smart infrastructure investments and inclusive city planning, both human and ecological costs will continue to rise. This week’s rain and heat forecasts may only be the beginning of a more turbulent pre-monsoon season. The onus now lies on local governments and citizens alike to prepare wisely, act swiftly, and build communities resilient to both flood and flame.
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