Representative image (Image: Internet)
New Delhi: A fresh spell of rain is expected to bring respite from the intense summer heat across several regions of India, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting widespread precipitation and storm activity over the next 24 hours. The changing weather pattern is likely to impact northern, central, southern and northeastern parts of the country.
According to the IMD, heavy rainfall is likely in parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal and Sikkim. Rainfall activity is also expected in Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Karaikal and Mahe.
Along with showers, strong winds are forecast in many areas, with speeds ranging between 50 and 60 kmph. In isolated locations, wind gusts could reach up to 70 kmph, increasing the risk of localised disruptions and waterlogging.
Central India is also expected to experience unstable weather conditions. The IMD has warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning in parts of Madhya Maharashtra, Odisha and western Madhya Pradesh. Some locations may also witness isolated hailstorms.
The department has advised residents to remain alert, particularly in areas prone to strong winds and sudden weather changes.
Several northern states, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand and western Rajasthan, have been placed under thunderstorm and lightning watch.
Between June 2 and June 5, light to moderate rainfall is expected in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat. These regions could also experience lightning and gusty winds during this period.
While rainfall is expected to ease heat conditions in many places, the IMD has indicated that maximum temperatures may rise by 4°C to 6°C across parts of northwest India later this week. In contrast, Maharashtra is likely to see temperatures decline by 2°C to 3°C through June 5, while Gujarat may witness a drop of 2°C to 4°C between June 3 and June 7.
Delhi-NCR is expected to experience partly cloudy skies with chances of light rain from afternoon to evening. Daytime temperatures are likely to remain between 36°C and 38°C, while minimum temperatures may stay between 25°C and 27°C. Similar conditions are forecast for Wednesday, with thunderstorms potentially bringing winds of up to 60 kmph.
