The southwest monsoon continued to move into several southern marine regions on Thursday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). In addition to the other areas of the South Bay of Bengal, Andaman Islands, and Andaman Sea, they comprise portions of the Comorin region, the Maldives, and the southeast Arabian Sea. The development comes as rain and thunderstorms forecasted across Northwest India remain a key concern for the coming days.

Conditions are still favorable for the monsoon’s continued advance in the days ahead, according to the IMD’s most recent weekly update, which covers the period from May 15 to May 21. Within the following three to four days, the southwest monsoon is predicted to move further into the South Bay of Bengal, the remaining portions of the Andaman Islands and the Sea, the central Bay of Bengal, and other areas of the south Arabian Sea, the Maldives, and the Comorin region.

Rain, Thunderstorms Likely Over Northwest India

Several regions of Northwest India are expected to see isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. Between May 18 and May 21, this weather pattern is expected to impact Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, and Jammu & Kashmir.

Punjab and Haryana are also forecast to receive rainfall on May 16, followed by another period from May 19 to May 21. On certain days during the week, Rajasthan is expected to see damp conditions in its eastern and western parts.

In some regions of the northwest plains and hills, these sporadic weather events, a component of pre-monsoon changes, should provide brief respite from the current heat. Rain and thunderstorms forecasted across Northwest India may also help temporarily lower regional temperatures and mitigate dry conditions.

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Dust-Raising Winds Expected in Northern States

Strong winds, showers, and thunderstorms are predicted over several northern locations. On May 16 and 17, 25 to 35 kmph dust-raising winds are forecast for West Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi.

Similar wind conditions are anticipated over West Rajasthan from May 15 to May 18. When paired with persistently dry weather, these strong gusts may cause brief decreases in visibility and impact urban mobility and air quality.

During this time of regional atmospheric instability, the IMD continues to monitor changing trends and cautions local authorities and citizens to remain vigilant.

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