
Weather conditions across India are set to become dramatic, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall along the west coast. This includes states such as Karnataka, Konkan & Goa, and Kerala, with extremely heavy downpours expected in North Kerala and the coastal and Ghat areas of Karnataka. Additionally, conditions are becoming favorable for the onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala in the next 4 to 5 days.
Meanwhile, Northeast India and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim are expected to experience intense rainfall along with thunderstorms and lightning over the next three days. Parts of Rajasthan are preparing for heat wave to severe heat wave conditions, creating a stark weather divide across the country. Here are the details
Monsoon Set to Arrive in Kerala within 4–5 Days
The IMD has stated that conditions are turning favorable for the onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala in the next 4–5 days. Widespread rainfall is already drenching coastal and ghat areas of Karnataka and Kerala, signaling the monsoon’s early progress.
Region |
Forecast |
Likely monsoon onset within 4–5 days |
|
Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu |
Monsoon likely to advance soon |
South & Central Bay of Bengal |
Monsoon advance expected |
Northeast India |
Favorable for monsoon progression |
Cyclonic Activity and Rainfall Triggers
Multiple upper air cyclonic circulations are influencing weather across India:
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A low-pressure area is forming over the east-central Arabian Sea (off Karnataka coast).
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Cyclonic circulations are also present over Pakistan, Assam, Bangladesh, and South Interior Karnataka, triggering local weather systems.
These systems are expected to move and intensify rainfall over the west coast and central India, while also pushing monsoon clouds further inland.
Heavy Rainfall over South India
Several cyclonic circulations and a developing low-pressure area over the Arabian Sea are driving widespread rain and thunderstorms over South India, especially Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
State/Region |
Expected Weather |
North Kerala |
Extremely heavy rain on 21th May |
Coastal Karnataka |
Extremely heavy rain on 21st May |
South Interior Karnataka |
Heavy rain on 25th & 26th May |
Ghat Areas of Tamil Nadu |
Heavy rain on 21th May |
Andhra Pradesh & Rayalaseema |
Heavy showers on 21th–22nd May |
West Coast Braces for More Rain and Gusty Winds
The Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and Marathwada regions are likely to experience widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong wind gusts this week. Konkan & Goa will see some of the highest rainfall activity.
Region |
Forecast (21–26 May 2025) |
Konkan & Goa |
Very heavy rainfall 21th–24th, heavy on 25th–26th |
Madhya Maharashtra |
Heavy rain 21st–24th May |
Marathwada |
Thunderstorms & heavy rain on 21st May |
Gujarat (Saurashtra, Kutch) |
Isolated heavy rain on 23rd–24th May |
Northeast and East India to Witness Thunderstorms and Flood-like Conditions
Northeast India is in for another spell of heavy to very heavy rainfall, especially in Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, increasing the risk of localised flooding. The Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim will also be drenched.
Region |
Rainfall Forecast (21–26 May 2025) |
Assam & Meghalaya |
Very heavy rain on 21st; heavy rain all week |
Arunachal Pradesh |
Heavy rain 22nd–26th May |
Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram |
Heavy rainfall all week |
Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim |
heavy rain till 22nd |
Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha |
Thunderstorms & heavy rain till 24th May |
Central and Northwest India: Mix of Rain, Heat, and Duststorms
While parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh will see scattered rainfall, Rajasthan and surrounding regions will suffer intense heatwave conditions and duststorms.
Region |
Weather Outlook |
West/East Rajasthan |
Severe heatwave 21th–23rd; Duststorms 21st–26th |
East UP & Uttarakhand |
Hailstorm and heavy rain on 21th |
Uttarakhand |
Heavy rain on 23rd & 24th |
Chhattisgarh |
Thunderstorms 21st–23rd May |
Madhya Pradesh |
Gusty winds & rain 22nd–23rd |
Delhi/NCR to See Thunderstorms, Dust-Raising Winds
Delhi is currently experiencing above-normal temperatures but can expect relief through thunderstorms and dust-laden winds over the next three days. Temperatures may drop slightly with chances of light rainfall and gusty winds.
Date |
Max Temp (°C) |
Min Temp (°C) |
Weather Conditions |
21 May |
38–40 |
27–29 |
Light rain with thunderstorm & gusty winds |
22 May |
38–40 |
26–28 |
Thunderstorm, dust-raising winds continue |
Temperature Trends and Heatwave Alerts
According to IMD, heatwave to severe heatwave conditions will prevail over West Rajasthan, East Rajasthan, and South Haryana. Warm nights are expected in Punjab, South Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan.
Region |
Date Range |
Conditions |
West Rajasthan |
21th–23rd May |
Severe heatwave |
East Rajasthan |
21st May |
Heatwave |
South Haryana |
21th–22nd May |
Heatwave, warm night |
Punjab |
21th–22nd May |
Warm night conditions |
Odisha |
21st May |
Hot & humid conditions |
With the monsoon knocking on Kerala’s door, farmers and residents in rain-deficient areas can expect relief soon. Stay updated with IMD advisories and local forecasts to stay safe during storms, lightning, or heatwaves.