Monsoon Delayed in Kerala as Heatwave Grips North India, Pre-Monsoon Rain Likely From May 29

India is likely to receive widespread pre-monsoon rainfall between May 29 and June 5, bringing possible relief from severe heatwave conditions. The southwest monsoon is still delayed over Kerala due to weak cloud activity.

Pre-Monsoon Rain Likely Across Most of India From May 29

After days of intense heat across large parts of the country, India may finally get some relief as pre-monsoon rainfall is expected to spread across nearly 80 to 90 percent of the country between May 29 and June 5. The expected rain becomes important as the southwest monsoon has still not reached Kerala, even though the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier predicted its arrival around May 26.

Weather experts said weak cloud activity over the south-central Arabian Sea has slowed the monsoon’s progress. A cyclonic circulation in the region has reduced moisture and weakened rain-bearing clouds near Kerala. However, conditions are likely to improve within the next two to three days.

Why the Monsoon Has Been Delayed

For the monsoon to officially enter Kerala, at least 14 selected weather stations in the state must receive 2.5 mm rainfall for two continuous days. So far, those conditions have not been fully met.

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) has also released a fresh rainfall outlook for the next 15 days. According to its forecast maps, heavy rain activity is likely over south India, eastern states, the northeast and regions near the Bay of Bengal during the coming week.

The forecast is based on satellite observations along with oceanic and atmospheric data.

Heatwave Continues Across Several States, UP's Banda Hottest In Country; PM Modi Urges Caution

While rain may soon bring relief to many regions, severe heat continues to affect northwestern, central and eastern parts of India.

Uttar Pradesh’s Banda remained the hottest city in the country on Tuesday with a maximum temperature of 47.4°C. It was the ninth straight day that the temperature crossed 47°C in the district.

Several other cities in Uttar Pradesh also recorded extreme temperatures. Orai touched 45.8°C, Jhansi 45.5°C, Prayagraj 45.4°C, Agra 45.3°C and Hamirpur 45.2°C.

In Rajasthan, Sri Ganganagar recorded 47°C, making it the second hottest city in India. Bikaner and Phalodi both recorded 46°C, while Jaisalmer touched 45.6°C. Jaipur also remained hot at 43.2°C.

Amid severe heatwave conditions, PM Modi urged citizens to take precautions and stay hydrated.

He also urged people to offer water to others highlighting the significance of kindness in extreme weather.

Maharashtra, Haryana and Delhi Also Scorching

Many districts in Maharashtra continued to face extreme heat. Brahmapuri recorded 46.6°C, which was 3.5 degrees above normal. Chandrapur saw 46.4°C, Wardha 46°C, Nagpur’s Sonegaon area 45.5°C and Gondia 45.2°C.

In Haryana, Sirsa recorded 46°C and Rohtak 45.6°C. Punjab’s Bathinda reached 45.8°C.

Delhi also remained hotter than usual, with the maximum temperature touching 43.5°C, around 3 degrees above normal.

Heatwave and Storm Alerts Issued

The IMD has issued heatwave alerts for parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Odisha, Punjab, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh on May 28.

At the same time, thunderstorms, strong winds and even hailstorms are expected in parts of Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi.

Several states, including Bihar, West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, may witness strong winds blowing at speeds of 50 to 70 kmph along with light rain in some areas.

Weather officials said temperatures may fall by 3°C to 7°C in many northern states from May 29 onwards.