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A satellite image issued by the IMD depicts a massive cloud band extending over much of North and Central India. Recent thermal infrared data from the INSAT-3DS weather satellite points to a strong development of rain-bearing weather systems across the subcontinent.

The cloud belt can be seen coming from Pakistan, covering large parts across northwest India (Screengrab/IMD)The cloud belt can be seen coming from Pakistan, covering large parts across northwest India across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and parts of central India before moving over eastern India and the Bay of Bengal.

The National Capital also recorded high temperatures, crossing 45 degrees Celsius mark at various stations. However, Delhi residents got some relief on Thursday as heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds swept across parts of the city.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the city, warning of moderate to severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, dust storms and isolated hailstorms. The weather office said the current spell of rain and thunderstorm activity is expected to continue till May 31, news agency PTI reported.

North India continues to endure intense heat as temperatures steadily rise across the region. In Uttar Pradesh, Banda emerged as the hottest location, recording a scorching 47.5 degrees Celsius, according to the weather department.

Also Read: Expect rain, thunderstorms across J&K till June 5: IMD

IMD on Thursday issued a warning for Uttarakhand, predicting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and hail in several parts of the state on Friday, as reported by PTI.

“Light to moderate rain, thunderstorms and snowfall at altitudes of 3,800 metres and above are likely at most places across the state,” IMD said in a statement.

Isolated places in Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Tehri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hail, intense spells of rain, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 50 to 60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph, IMD said, PTI reported.

India is expected to get a slightly weaker monsoon at 90 per cent than previously predicted 92 per cent that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast in April.

IMD suggests that El Niño conditions may develop during the southwest monsoon, which can weaken rainfall in India. It further said that the Indian Ocean Dipole over the Indian ocean is currently neutral but may turn positive later in the season. Meanwhile, the Madden–Julian Oscillation is in an active phase, which can influence short-term rainfall patterns.