Rain, thunderstorms, and hail likely across India on Saturday as heatwave weakens
The widespread activity is expected to provide relief from the intense heat that has gripped several regions in recent weeks.
The IMD has forecast thunderstorms over many parts of northwest, central, eastern and peninsular India on Saturday, with heavy rainfall likely at isolated places in Gujarat, West Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshadweep, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.
The weather activity is being driven by a complex mix of atmospheric systems, including cyclonic circulations over Pakistan, Assam, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, along with multiple troughs extending across northern and central India. These systems are helping pull moisture inland and creating favourable conditions for thunderstorms and rainfall.
Residents of northwest India, including Delhi-NCR and surrounding areas, can expect cloudy skies, strong winds and scattered thunderstorm activity.
While widespread heavy rainfall is not forecast for the capital region, thunderstorm-related weather could bring a noticeable drop in daytime temperatures and improve outdoor conditions.
The IMD has also warned of hailstorm activity over parts of Vidarbha on Saturday, while dust storms remain possible in western Rajasthan. Such events can reduce visibility and disrupt travel, prompting authorities to advise caution.
The heatwave that affected parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in recent days is expected to continue easing.
According to the IMD, maximum temperatures across northwest India are likely to remain significantly lower than earlier this week, following a fall of 5 to 7 degrees Celsius. Central India is also expected to see temperatures gradually decline over the coming days.
Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon continues its advance. Conditions remain favourable for further progress into additional parts of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal over the next few days, raising hopes for an early spread of monsoon rains into more parts of the country.
With thunderstorms, rain and gusty winds forecast across much of India, Saturday is likely to bring a welcome break from scorching summer conditions, though residents are advised to stay alert for localised severe weather, including lightning, hail and strong winds.- EndsPublished By: Sibu Kumar TripathiPublished On: May 29, 2026 19:30 IST
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