Heatwave Eases With Widespread Rain Forecast Across India, But Monsoon Outlook Remains Weak

Last Updated:May 30, 2026, 08:53 IST

In northwest India, including Delhi-NCR and nearby areas, residents can expect cloudy skies, strong winds and scattered thunderstorms.

Thunderstorms, rain, gusty winds and isolated hailstorms are likely across large parts of India on Saturday as weather systems continue to influence conditions nationwide, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

The expected weather activity could bring relief from the intense heat experienced in several regions over recent weeks.

According to the IMD, thunderstorm activity is forecast across northwest, central, eastern and peninsular India. Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated locations in Gujarat, West Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshadweep, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.

The prevailing conditions are being shaped by multiple atmospheric features, including cyclonic circulations over Pakistan, Assam, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, as well as several troughs stretching across northern and central India. These systems are drawing moisture inland and creating favourable conditions for rainfall and thunderstorms.

In northwest India, including Delhi-NCR and nearby areas, residents can expect cloudy skies, strong winds and scattered thunderstorms. Although widespread heavy rain is not anticipated in the capital region, thunderstorm activity may lower daytime temperatures and offer relief from the heat.

The IMD has also forecast hailstorms over isolated parts of Vidarbha on Saturday, while dust storm activity remains possible in western Rajasthan. Such weather events may affect visibility and disrupt travel.

Heatwave conditions that recently affected parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are expected to ease further. The IMD said maximum temperatures across northwest India have already dropped by 5 to 7 degrees Celsius from earlier in the week and are likely to remain lower.

Central India is also expected to witness a gradual decline in temperatures over the next few days.

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon continues to advance. Conditions remain favourable for its further progress into additional areas of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal in the coming days, increasing the likelihood that monsoon rains will spread to more parts of the country.

With rain, thunderstorms and strong winds expected across many regions, Saturday is likely to provide a break from scorching summer conditions. However, residents have been advised to remain cautious of localised severe weather, including lightning, hail and gusty winds.

IMD Retains ‘Below Normal’ Monsoon

Meanwhile, IMD on Friday retained its forecast of ‘below normal’ monsoon rainfall for this year and further lowered its projection for the June-September season. The weather agency indicated a high likelihood of ‘deficient’ rainfall, a category commonly associated with drought conditions.

According to the revised forecast, seasonal rainfall is expected to be 90% of the long-period average (LPA), down from the 92% estimate issued in April. The IMD also assessed a 60% probability of ‘deficient’ rainfall, defined as precipitation below 90% of the LPA.

Such a shortfall could have consequences beyond agriculture, affecting water storage levels, groundwater replenishment and hydroelectric power generation, potentially creating challenges across multiple sectors.

The IMD said the downgrade was linked to the likely emergence of strong El Niño conditions. The climate phenomenon, marked by warming ocean waters in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, is often associated with weaker monsoons and harsher summers in India.

News india Heatwave Eases With Widespread Rain Forecast Across India, But Monsoon Outlook Remains Weak

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