Heatwave Grips North India, Heavy Rains Lash South & Northeast - May 17, 2026

Top Summary

• What happened: North India is experiencing a severe heatwave, while South and Northeast India are bracing for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms on May 17, 2026.
• Why it matters: The contrasting weather patterns highlight the complex interplay of weather systems as the monsoon approaches, posing challenges for public health and safety.
• What changes for people: Residents in the north are advised to take precautions against the heat, while those in the south and northeast should prepare for potential flooding and disruptions.
• Who is affected: Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Punjab, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh will face heatwave conditions. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Northeast India will experience heavy rainfall.

Scorching North India Faces Heatwave

Northwest India is experiencing a fierce heatwave on May 17, 2026. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heatwave warnings for several states.

These states include: West Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West and East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Chhattisgarh.

In Delhi, temperatures are expected to climb to between 39 and 42 degrees Celsius. Skies will be mostly sunny with very little chance of rain.

The IMD advises people in these regions to stay indoors during peak hours, remain well hydrated, and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity.

Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms in South and Northeast

The southern and northeastern parts of India are facing a different scenario. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for several states.

The affected regions include: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Karnataka.

Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of up to 40 to 50 kilometres per hour are expected across these regions. Residents in hilly areas of the northeast should stay alert to the risk of flash floods and landslides.

City-Specific Weather Forecasts

Major cities across India will experience varied weather conditions. Here's a brief overview:

• Mumbai: Warm and humid, with highs of 32 to 35 degrees Celsius and a chance of isolated showers.
• Bengaluru: Cloudy skies and possible thunderstorms.
• Chennai: Hot and humid, with temperatures touching 36 degrees Celsius.
• Kolkata and Hyderabad: Warm, partly cloudy conditions with thunderstorm chances.

Monsoon Arrival Update

The southwest monsoon has already advanced into parts of the southeast Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Sea, and the Nicobar Islands.

The IMD expects the monsoon to reach Kerala around May 26, with a possible variation of four days. Monitor weather updates closely as the date approaches.

What to Watch Next

Keep an eye on the IMD's daily forecasts for updated heatwave and rainfall warnings. The arrival and progression of the monsoon will be crucial in determining when the weather patterns shift across the country.