IMD Issues Heavy Rain Alerts: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued widespread alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall across several regions of India. The weather agency has pointed to the development of cyclonic circulations over both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, which are expected to significantly influence weather patterns in Western, Northern, Eastern, and Southern parts of India over the next few days.
As of May 21, 2025, cities including Mumbai, Delhi, and multiple districts across West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Telangana are expected to receive intense rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, gusty winds, and in some areas, lightning.
Mumbai Weather Forecast: Intense Showers and Thunderstorms Continue
On Tuesday, Mumbai experienced unexpected heavy rainfall leading to waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and flooded roads, especially in the eastern and western suburbs. The IMD has predicted continued rainfall in the region between May 21 and 24 due to an active cyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea. A low-pressure area is likely to form near the Karnataka coast by May 22, which could further intensify rainfall in South Konkan, Mumbai, and parts of South Central Maharashtra.
According to IMD meteorologist Shubhangi Bhute, “There is a possibility of heavy rainfall with thunder at isolated places, accompanied by gusty winds reaching 30–40 km/h or higher.”
Delhi Weather Update: Rain to Bring Relief from Heat
The national capital Delhi is likely to receive thunderstorms with rainfall on May 21 and 22, bringing much-needed relief from the intense summer heat. On Tuesday, the maximum temperature in Delhi peaked at 41.8 degrees Celsius, with high humidity levels exacerbating discomfort.
The IMD has forecasted that the minimum temperature will settle around 28 degrees Celsius, while the maximum will hover near 39 degrees Celsius over the next few days. A recent CEEW study also highlights that Delhi falls under a very high heat risk zone, with increasing instances of warm nights, humidity, and urban heat exposure.
West Bengal Weather: Cyclonic Conditions Over North Bangladesh
The IMD has predicted widespread thunderstorms and heavy rain in West Bengal till Friday, due to an upper air cyclonic circulation over North Bangladesh. Enhanced moisture from the Bay of Bengal will lead to heavy downpours in Northern Bengal districts such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar.
In Southern Bengal, districts including Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, West and East Burdwan, Hooghly, Birbhum, and Murshidabad are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
Kerala and South India to Witness Torrential Rainfall, Early Monsoon Likely
The southern states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are experiencing severe pre-monsoon showers. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for these states, with rainfall expected to persist over the next seven days.
On May 20, eight fatalities were reported due to rain-related incidents—five in Karnataka (including three in Bengaluru) and three in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, due to a wall collapse.
The IMD has also indicated the early arrival of the southwest monsoon in Kerala, possibly by May 25, which would make it the earliest onset since 2009, ahead of the usual June 1 timeline.
Other States to Receive Heavy Rainfall
Beyond the major metropolitan areas, heavy rainfall is also forecasted in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Gujarat, according to the latest IMD updates. In Andhra Pradesh, heavy rainfall is expected across the Rayalaseema, northern, and southern regions, particularly over the next two days. Telangana, including Hyderabad, remains under a yellow alert, with predictions of heavy showers and thunderstorms.
In Gujarat, districts are likely to witness light to moderate rain, along with thunderstorms, from May 21 to May 26, with isolated spells of heavy rainfall possible.
In the Northeast, states such as Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur are also predicted to receive widespread heavy rainfall during the same period, driven by enhanced moisture and favorable wind patterns from the Bay of Bengal.
Conclusion: Citizens Advised to Stay Updated
With multiple weather systems impacting India simultaneously, the IMD urges citizens to remain alert and follow regional updates. Those in coastal, urban, and flood-prone areas should take precautionary measures as heavy rainfall and rain intensity increase in the coming days. Emergency services and municipal corporations are on standby to manage any rain-related disruptions, including waterlogging, traffic congestion, and infrastructure damage.
