In a much-needed respite from the scorching heat, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted wet spells over northwest India from May 23 to May 25 due to the influence of an active Western Disturbance.
According to IMD officials, pockets of Himachal Pradesh may experience hailstorms on May 23, while Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim are likely to witness rainfall for two days, May 23 and May 24. On May 24, regions including Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi may also receive rainfall. Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and West Madhya Pradesh are expected to encounter hailstorms on May 24 and May 25.
Furthermore, IMD forecasts the possibility of dust storms in certain areas of Rajasthan between May 23 and May 26. Jammu, Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh are anticipated to experience heavy rainfall on May 23 and May 24, while Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura may witness heavy rain from May 24 to May 26.
The rainfall is particularly relieving for Punjab, where ongoing heatwave conditions have been a concern. IMD predicts heavy rainfall in Punjab on May 24. Additionally, isolated heavy to very heavy rain is expected in Assam and Meghalaya on May 23 and 24.
IMD has also released the maximum temperatures recorded across the country on May 22. Jhansi recorded the highest temperature at 46.5 degrees Celsius, closely followed by Churu at 45.7 degrees Celsius. Delhi Ridge reported a temperature of 44.9 degrees Celsius, while Ayanagar and Palam areas of Delhi registered 44.4 and 44.2 degrees Celsius, respectively.
In a positive development, IMD predicts that maximum temperatures over North and Central India are likely to witness a declining trend starting from May 23.