New Delhi, India — May 8, 2026
India is witnessing a rapid shift in weather patterns, with thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and rising temperatures affecting multiple regions simultaneously, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
A combination of cyclonic circulation over the southeast Arabian Sea and multiple trough systems has intensified rain and storm activity across the country. Meanwhile, a fresh western disturbance is expected to impact the western Himalayan region starting May 10, potentially triggering another round of unstable weather in northern India.
Thunderstorms & Rain to Sweep Northwest India
The IMD has forecast a fresh spell of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across northwest India, including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh, and eastern Rajasthan.
Rainfall is expected between May 11 and May 13, accompanied by wind speeds of 40–60 km/h. In Uttarakhand, wind speeds could reach up to 70 km/h on May 8, raising concerns about localized disruptions.
Daytime heat followed by evening thunderstorms is likely to continue over the next few days due to the active western disturbance.
Rain Likely Across Punjab, Haryana, UP & Hills
Weather activity is expected to remain active across northern plains and hilly regions through May 12. Light to moderate rainfall is forecast across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and eastern Rajasthan.
These intermittent showers are expected to provide temporary relief from heat but may also bring lightning and gusty winds.
Northeast Sees Monsoon-Like Conditions
States in northeast India — including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura — are already experiencing monsoon-like conditions.
Over the past 24 hours, steady rainfall has been recorded in several areas. Dhubri reported around 4 cm of rain, while Shillong and Cherrapunji recorded about 1 cm each.
The IMD expects moderate to heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and strong winds to continue over the next few days, likely bringing a slight drop in temperatures.
Storm Activity From Bihar to West Bengal
Eastern and eastern-central regions, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Sikkim, are also likely to experience thunderstorms and rainfall.
Rain with lightning is expected in Bihar and Jharkhand through May 10, while parts of West Bengal may witness strong winds. Cities such as Kolkata, Patna, and Purnia have already recorded rainfall in the past 24 hours, offering relief from rising temperatures.
Heavy Rain Alert in South India
Southern India is set to witness the most intense rainfall activity, particularly in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall in several regions, with precipitation levels possibly reaching up to 115.5 mm in isolated areas.
Rainfall with thunderstorms is expected to continue for the next 5–7 days across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Puducherry, and Karaikal.
Coastal regions may also experience strong winds, prompting authorities to advise fishermen and coastal residents to remain cautious.
Heatwave Conditions in Western India
While rainfall is providing relief in many areas, parts of western India are bracing for intense heat.
Western Rajasthan and Gujarat are likely to experience heatwave conditions between May 9 and May 13.
Temperatures are expected to rise by 5–7°C in northwest India and 3–5°C in central India. Rajkot in Gujarat recorded a maximum temperature of 42.9°C — the highest in the country — while Rohtak in Haryana reported a minimum of 15.6°C.
Hot and humid conditions are also expected to persist in Maharashtra, Konkan, and Goa.
Mixed Weather Signals: Relief & Rising Discomfort
The IMD notes a complex weather pattern across India, where rainfall is offering temporary relief from heat in some regions, while humidity and rising temperatures are increasing discomfort in others.
Although no widespread severe heatwave has been declared yet, the steady rise in temperatures could intensify conditions in the coming days.
