The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a high-alert weather forecast for several Indian states, predicting heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in Mumbai, Bengal, and Delhi. Torrential rains are also impacting southern states like Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu as the southwest monsoon edges closer to the Indian mainland.
Mumbai Weather: Heavy Rainfall Due to Cyclonic Circulation
On Tuesday, Mumbai experienced unexpected heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning. Roads in several parts of the city were waterlogged, slowing down traffic and disrupting daily life.
According to the IMD, the city is likely to continue witnessing heavy rains with gusty winds (30-40 kmph) between May 21 and 24. The cause is a developing cyclonic circulation over the east-central Arabian Sea off the Karnataka coast.
More rain is expected over south Konkan, south-central Maharashtra, and surrounding regions due to the intensifying low-pressure system.
How to Prepare for Urban Flooding in Mumbai
Delhi Weather Forecast: Thunderstorms Likely
Delhiites may get relief from the scorching 41.8°C heat as IMD predicts thunderstorms with rain on May 21 and 22. The national capital is experiencing unusually high humidity levels, making the outdoors uncomfortable.
Minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 28°C, with maximums peaking at 39°C.
A recent CEEW study shows Delhi faces high to very high heat exposure risks, especially in dense urban areas due to rising nighttime temperatures and relative humidity.
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Bengal Weather: Heavy Rain in the North, Thunder in the South
IMD has predicted heavy rain in north Bengal districts like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar till Friday, with thunderstorms expected in southern districts including Jhargram, Bankura, Purulia, and Hooghly.
This is due to an upper air cyclonic circulation over north Bangladesh and favorable wind patterns from the Bay of Bengal.
South India Weather: Torrential Rains and Casualties
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu witnessed torrential rains that resulted in 8 deaths—five in Bengaluru and three in Madurai due to a wall collapse.
IMD has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain and gusty winds across the region from May 20 to 22. Kerala, meanwhile, continues to receive widespread showers across Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, and Malappuram.
Southwest Monsoon 2025: Early Arrival in Kerala
Southwest Monsoon Set to Arrive Early in Kerala
The IMD reports that the southwest monsoon may arrive in Kerala within the next 4-5 days—earlier than the usual June 1 date. If confirmed, this would be the earliest monsoon onset since 2009.
Heavy rainfall across South India is consistent with this early onset, marking a shift in seasonal patterns likely influenced by broader climate change trends.
How Climate Change Is Shifting India’s Monsoon Patterns
Conclusion
From Mumbai’s flooded streets to Delhi’s high heat index and Kerala’s early monsoon, India’s weather in May 2025 reflects a mix of intense climate activity. The coming days are critical as cyclonic conditions in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal intensify.
Stay updated with real-time alerts from IMD, and prepare for more unpredictable weather as monsoon season approaches.
