New Delhi: In a dramatic shift from traditional seasonal patterns, May 2026 has delivered an unexpectedly mild summer to large swathes of India. While May is historically synonymous with blistering heatwaves, several regions in north, east, and central India are currently recording daytime temperatures that are 8 to 13 degrees Celsius below the seasonal norm. A standout record was set in Uttar Pradesh, where the Hardoi observatory registered a maximum temperature of just 26°C on May 7—marking the lowest daytime temperature ever recorded in the region for the month of May.
Meteorologists from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) credit this atmospheric cooling to a combination of persistent easterly winds and frequent western disturbances. These systems have triggered intermittent rainfall and consistent cloud cover, effectively halting the typical build-up of intense summer heat. While initial forecasts for 2026 had warned of a severe heatwave season following a hot April, the subsequent periodic showers have altered the trajectory of the month, with the IMD now predicting above-normal rainfall for most of the country throughout May.
Despite the current reprieve, weather experts warn that the risk of extreme heat has not entirely vanished. Above-normal temperatures and heatwave conditions are still anticipated for parts of southern, northwestern, and northeastern India later this month as temporary cooling systems dissipate. Furthermore, a concerning trend of rising nighttime temperatures persists in urban centres, limiting the body’s ability to recover from heat stress. Long-term climate monitoring also remains focused on the potential development of El Niño later this year, which could threaten monsoon stability and lead to prolonged heat in the coming months.
