Key Highlights
- North India Heatwave: Delhi temperatures to hit 41°C, with Rajasthan exceeding 45°C in western districts.
- Storm Warnings: 10 states on alert for 70 km/h winds, thunderstorms, and hailstorms.
- Agricultural Risk: Jharkhand farmers cautioned against significant crop damage due to torrential rain.
- Southern Rainfall: A low-pressure system brings heavy rain to Tamil Nadu and the Nilgiris through May 19.
- Monsoon Progress: Conditions are becoming favorable for the Southwest Monsoon to reach the Andaman Sea by May 16.
The national capital, Delhi, and its neighboring regions are currently navigating a peak summer surge. For May 15 and 16, maximum temperatures are expected to stabilize around 41 degrees Celsius, though localized “heat island” effects may push readings higher in dense urban pockets. The Meteorological Department has advised residents to minimize outdoor exposure between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to avoid heatstroke and dehydration. While evening cloud cover may provide marginal psychological relief, the arrival of hot “Loo” winds in Western Uttar Pradesh and high humidity in Eastern UP are expected to maintain high levels of discomfort.
In Rajasthan, the situation is even more critical. Cities like Phalodi and Jaisalmer have already breached the 45-degree mark. Although light rainfall is predicted for the Jaipur and Bikaner divisions, it is unlikely to significantly lower the ambient temperature. Similarly, Bihar remains under the grip of intense sunlight, with Patna and Gaya recording temperatures near 40 degrees Celsius, leading to a massive spike in electricity and water demand.
‘Orange Alert’ and Storm Risks in Central and East India
In a rare atmospheric overlap, Madhya Pradesh is witnessing a “heat zone” situation coupled with volatile storm activity. An Orange Alert has been issued for the Indore, Ujjain, Ratlam, Dhar, and Dewas districts. Residents in these areas should prepare for sudden thunderstorms and hailstorms that may strike alongside the ongoing heatwave.
Further east, Jharkhand is bracing for severe weather that could cripple the local agricultural economy. With winds gusting up to 70 kilometers per hour, the state government has issued an urgent advisory to farmers. The threat of hailstorms is particularly high for seasonal crops like mangoes and watermelons, which are currently in their peak harvesting stage. Nearby states, including Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, may see light, scattered showers today as a result of a passing Western Disturbance.
Bay of Bengal System and Early Monsoon Signals
The southern peninsula is facing a vastly different meteorological challenge. A well-marked low-pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal, moving northeastward. This system is responsible for the heavy rainfall forecast in Tamil Nadu, specifically across the Nilgiris and Coimbatore regions, which is expected to last until May 19.
This atmospheric activity is also acting as a catalyst for the Southwest Monsoon. Current indicators suggest that the monsoon is poised to advance into the South Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea around May 16, 2026. While this brings hope for eventual relief from the nationwide heat, the immediate focus remains on disaster management in storm-prone areas and public health safety in the heatwave-affected corridors of the North.
