A scorching sun looms over northern India as the region braces for intense heatwaves in mid-May 2025, while southern states prepare for torrential rains signaling early monsoon activity.
In the north, the India Meteorological Department has issued warnings for isolated pockets of Bihar on May 15-16, with Punjab expecting similar conditions from May 16-17.
West Uttar Pradesh faces a prolonged heatwave from May 16-18, and East Uttar Pradesh isn’t spared, grappling with soaring temperatures during the same period.
Maximum temperatures in these areas are climbing to 39°C and often exceeding 40°C, creating harsh conditions for millions.
Meanwhile, the heat isn’t just a daytime struggle, as nighttime offers little relief with averages around 25°C.
Nighttime brings no respite in northern India, with average temperatures lingering around 25°C, prolonging the heatwave’s oppressive grip.
Central India, including parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, records even higher readings, with temperatures hitting 42°C in some spots.
“The heat is relentless this year, pushing past typical May averages,” noted a spokesperson from the meteorological office.
This extreme weather strains water resources, raises health risks like heatstroke, and stresses crops under the blazing sun.
Energy demands are also spiking as cooling systems work overtime, disrupting daily life and outdoor labor during peak heatwave days.
In stark contrast, South India is drenched by heavy rains, a sign of early monsoon or pre-monsoon showers.
Monthly rainfall in affected regions reaches an estimated 1717 mm, with moderate to heavy showers striking on around 22 days in May.
Coastal areas, especially, face sudden torrential downpours in this late pre-monsoon phase.
While cities like Hyderabad endure high temperatures near 41°C, they also experience significant rainfall, offering a mixed bag of weather challenges.
Additionally, the region sees about 9 hours of sunshine daily, which contrasts with the frequent cloud cover and rain.
The impacts of these rains are far-reaching in the southern states.
Flooding in low-lying areas disrupts transportation and damages infrastructure due to water-logging.
In hilly terrains, saturated soils heighten the risk of landslides, posing threats to communities.
Yet, there’s a silver lining for some, as reservoirs refill after dry summer months, and certain crops benefit from the moisture.
However, excessive rain can harm other agricultural yields, creating uncertainty for farmers.
This regional divide in weather patterns—scorching heat in the north and drenching rains in the south—highlights India’s vast climatic variability in May 2025, with historical data showing April as the hottest month with an average of 33°C temperature.
While northern states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh endure temperatures above 40°C, southern areas brace for daily showers that cool the air but bring their own set of problems.
Continuous monitoring of rainfall remains critical for flood management in the south, as the meteorological department tracks evolving patterns.
As the month progresses, the dual challenges of heat and rain shape life across the nation, testing resilience in contrasting ways without a uniform solution in sight for the diverse impacts felt by millions.