Chandigarh: A spell of unsettled weather is set to continue across large parts of northern India over the coming days, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting intermittent rain and thunderstorms until May 6.
States such as Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh are expected to experience light showers at scattered locations, along with gusty winds and lightning activity. Weather officials attribute this pattern to a fresh western disturbance influencing atmospheric conditions over the region.
While daytime temperatures may rise slightly over the next couple of days, a noticeable dip of around 3 to 4 degrees Celsius is likely thereafter, offering temporary relief from recent heat. The combination of cloud cover and rainfall is expected to keep temperatures near or below seasonal averages in several areas.
In contrast, regions along the Himalayan foothills—including Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir—as well as parts of western and peninsular India, may continue to face above-normal heatwave conditions.
IMD officials also indicated that the southwest monsoon is likely to reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands around mid-May, marking the beginning of its seasonal advance. Rainfall across the country is projected to remain largely normal overall, though some eastern and northeastern regions could see below-average precipitation.
Agricultural experts have noted that the current weather conditions may benefit harvesting activities in northwestern states, though localized heat stress in certain regions could affect crop development during sensitive growth stages.
The shifting weather pattern follows a relatively dry April, which recorded below-average rainfall levels across the country.
