IMD Predicts Heatwaves and Above-Normal Rainfall in May

The India Meteorological Department forecasts above-normal heatwave days for certain Himalayan foothills, east coast states, Gujarat, and Maharashtra in May. Despite this, the country is expected to see above-normal rainfall, with the southwest monsoon expected around mid-May over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. El Niño conditions are anticipated during the monsoon season.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued its monthly forecast for May, predicting above-normal heatwave days in specific regions, including the Himalayan foothills, east coast states, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

In contrast, the IMD anticipates that rainfall for May will be above normal across India, with the southwest monsoon expected to reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands around May 14-16. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology at the IMD, noted that May 2026 would likely see above-normal minimum temperatures across many parts of the country.

Furthermore, ENSO-neutral conditions over the equatorial Pacific are transitioning towards El Niño, potentially influencing weather patterns during the southwest monsoon season, according to the latest forecast from the Monsoon Mission Coupled Forecasting System.