The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in various regions across the country starting May 23. This is due to a low-pressure area over the East-central Arabian Sea off the Konkan-Goa coast, which is expected to intensify into a depression. The system is projected to move northwards, leading to heavy rainfall over the coming days.
The IMD has issued orange and red alerts for several states, urging residents to take precautions. The west coast will experience intense rainfall, with extremely heavy showers anticipated in Konkan and Goa between May 22 and 24, and in Coastal Karnataka on May 24. Madhya Maharashtra may also witness very heavy rainfall, particularly on May 24. The IMD has issued alerts for possible waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and damage to crops and infrastructure in the affected areas.
Southern states, including Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, are also expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall over the next five days, with isolated pockets likely experiencing very heavy rainfall. Squally winds and thunderstorms may occur in several areas, with wind speeds reaching 50 to 60 km/h in some regions.
In central India, rainfall is anticipated to continue over Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Vidarbha until May 26. East Madhya Pradesh is particularly likely to experience thunderstorm activity, strong winds, and possible hail in isolated areas.
The northeastern region will also encounter active rainfall patterns throughout the week. Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and other northeastern states are expected to receive daily rainfall, often accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds.
Parts of north and northwest India, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, may see intermittent rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning. However, heatwave conditions are expected to persist in West Rajasthan and parts of Punjab and Haryana, with temperatures remaining above normal.
As sea conditions are expected to be rough, fishermen are strongly advised against venturing into the Arabian Sea, especially along the coasts of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and Gujarat. A complete suspension of fishing activities is recommended in parts of the East-central Arabian Sea from May 24 to 26.
