New Delhi: Above normal heatwave days are likely in parts of the Himalayan foothills, east coast states, Gujarat and Maharashtra in May, the India Meteorological Department said on Friday.
In its monthly outlook, the IMD said rainfall across the country during May is most likely to be above normal. The southwest monsoon is expected to set in over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands around May 14-16.
Director general of meteorology Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said, “During May 2026, minimum temperatures are expected to be above normal across many parts of the country.”
“However, many areas of northwest India, along with some parts of Central India and adjoining areas of peninsular India and southern parts of northeast India, are likely to experience normal to below-normal minimum temperatures,” he said.
The IMD said above-normal rainfall is likely over most parts of the country, except some areas of east, northeast and east-central India, where below-normal rainfall is expected.
On the monsoon onset, Mohapatra said, “The monsoon may arrive over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands around May 14-16.”
The department said El Niño Southern Oscillation-neutral conditions over the equatorial Pacific are evolving towards El Niño conditions. Its Monsoon Mission Coupled Forecasting System indicates the possible development of El Niño during the southwest monsoon season.
Reviewing April, the IMD said most parts of the country recorded normal to below-normal maximum temperatures, except southern peninsular India, which saw above-normal temperatures. It added that seven western disturbances affected the country during the month.
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