India is witnessing one of the most intense weather phases of 2026, with severe heatwave conditions gripping large parts of North, Central, and East India while the Southwest Monsoon continues its gradual advance over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. According to the latest press release issued by the India Meteorological Department on 25 May 2026, extreme temperatures, heavy rainfall alerts, thunderstorms, and strong winds are expected across multiple regions during the coming week.
The latest IMD weather bulletin warns that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to continue over Central and Northwest India for the next four to five days, while East and adjoining Peninsular India may continue experiencing extreme heat for another three to four days.
At the same time, the IMD has also predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall over Northeast India, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and several coastal regions. The weather situation highlights India’s ongoing transition from peak summer heat toward the onset phase of the Southwest Monsoon 2026.
Southwest Monsoon 2026 Continues Its Advance
According to the monsoon progress map shown in Annexure I of the IMD bulletin, the Northern Limit of Monsoon currently passes through:
- 7°N/60°E
- 7°N/70°E
- 7°N/75°E
- 8°N/80°E
- 10°N/85°E
- 13.5°N/90°E
- 17°N/95°E
The weather agency stated that conditions remain favorable for further monsoon advancement into more parts of the southwest and southeast Arabian Sea, the Comorin area, and additional regions of the Bay of Bengal over the next two to three days.
The monsoon advance chart on page 5 of the report visually shows the expected progression of the Southwest Monsoon across India during late May, June, and early July.
Severe Heatwave Conditions Continue Across India
The IMD has issued major heatwave warnings for several Indian states. According to the bulletin, heatwave conditions are very likely over:
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Delhi-NCR
- Uttar Pradesh
- Rajasthan
- Madhya Pradesh
- Vidarbha
- Chhattisgarh
- Odisha
- Telangana
- Jharkhand
- Bihar
- Coastal Andhra Pradesh
during the next few days.
Severe heatwave conditions are particularly expected over:
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Delhi
- West Rajasthan
- East Madhya Pradesh
- Vidarbha
- Uttar Pradesh
between 25 and 28 May.
The weather department has also warned about “warm night conditions” over Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Vidarbha, and Odisha, where nighttime temperatures may remain unusually high.
Temperatures Crossed 47°C
The IMD reported that maximum temperatures on 24 May ranged between 43°C and 47°C across several regions of Northwest, Central, and Peninsular India.
The highest temperature in the country was recorded at:
Brahmapuri (Vidarbha) – 47.2°C
The weather agency also noted that temperatures were 3°C to 7°C above normal in several states.
Relief Expected After 29 May
Despite the ongoing extreme heat, IMD has predicted gradual relief in temperatures beginning from 29 May onward.
According to the forecast:
- Northwest India may witness a temperature fall of 6°C to 8°C between 29 and 31 May.
- Central India may see a reduction of 2°C to 4°C.
- East India may also experience a gradual decline in temperatures after 28 May.
This expected drop is mainly linked to increasing thunderstorm activity and advancing monsoon conditions.
Heavy Rainfall Alert for Northeast and South India
While northern India struggles with heatwave conditions, several states in Northeast and South India are expected to receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.
The IMD has forecast:
Extremely Heavy Rainfall
- Assam & Meghalaya on 25 May
Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Nagaland
- Manipur
- Mizoram
- Tripura
- Kerala
- Tamil Nadu
- Lakshadweep
- Coastal Karnataka
- Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim
- Bihar
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
during the coming days.
The bulletin also warns about possible:
- Waterlogging
- Localized flooding
- Traffic disruption
- Landslides
- Crop damage
- Reduced visibility
in vulnerable regions.
Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds to Hit Several States
The IMD has warned that thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds may affect multiple regions across India.
Some states may witness wind speeds of:
- 50–60 kmph
- Gusting up to 70 kmph
- In some cases up to 80 kmph
especially in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Karnataka, and Odisha.
The weather department warned that these storms could cause:
- Tree uprooting
- Damage to power lines
- Crop destruction
- Structural damage
- Travel disruptions
Delhi-NCR Weather Forecast
According to Annexure IV of the IMD bulletin, Delhi-NCR is expected to continue experiencing severe heat conditions until at least 28 May.
Delhi Forecast Highlights:
- Maximum temperature: 43°C to 45°C
- Dust storms and thunderstorms possible
- Strong winds up to 60 kmph
- Heatwave conditions likely
- Very light rain possible on 25 and 28 May
The IMD has advised residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours.
Fishermen Warning Issued
The IMD has also issued warnings for fishermen due to rough sea conditions over several coastal regions.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into:
Bay of Bengal
- Gulf of Mannar
- Sri Lanka coasts
- South Bay of Bengal
- Andaman Sea
Arabian Sea
- Kerala coast
- Lakshadweep region
- Comorin area
- Southwest Arabian Sea
between 25 and 30 May.
Agriculture Advisory for Farmers
The weather bulletin also contains extensive agrometeorological advisories for farmers across India.
The IMD advised farmers to:
- Ensure proper drainage during heavy rainfall
- Use mulching techniques during heatwave conditions
- Protect crops from hailstorms and strong winds
- Irrigate vegetables and orchards regularly
- Store harvested crops safely during storms
Specific advisories were issued for rice, maize, vegetables, banana, mango, sugarcane, pulses, and horticulture crops across multiple states.
IMD Warning Maps Explained
The subdivision warning maps in Annexure III use different color alerts to indicate weather severity across India:
| Alert Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green | No warning |
| Yellow | Be aware |
| Orange | Be prepared |
| Red | Take action |
The bulletin specifically advises authorities to take action based on orange and red alerts, especially in urban and hilly regions vulnerable to flooding and severe weather impacts.
Health Risks During Heatwave
The IMD warned that extreme heat can cause:
- Heat exhaustion
- Dehydration
- Heatstroke
- Health complications in elderly people and children
The weather agency advised people to:
- Drink plenty of water
- Use ORS and homemade fluids
- Wear loose cotton clothes
- Avoid direct sun exposure
- Stay indoors during peak heat hours
What the Latest IMD Forecast Means
India is currently entering a critical transition phase between extreme summer heat and the advancing monsoon season. While the Southwest Monsoon 2026 is gradually progressing toward mainland India, dangerous heatwave conditions continue affecting millions across northern and central regions.
The latest IMD bulletin indicates that relief from extreme temperatures may begin after 29 May in several regions, but severe weather threats including thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and gusty winds will continue across multiple states.
Citizens are advised to regularly follow official updates issued by the India Meteorological Department and take necessary precautions against both heatwave conditions and severe storms.
Also Read: Monsoon 2026 Update: IMD Predicts Early Southwest Monsoon Advance as India Faces Severe Heatwave
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