India is likely to witness above-normal heatwave days across several regions in May, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning that parts of east, central and northwest India, along with sections of the southern peninsula, could see prolonged spells of extreme heat.
The warning comes even as several states continue to experience thunderstorms, hailstorms and heavy rain — a seemingly contradictory weather pattern that has left many wondering how heatwaves and hail can occur simultaneously.
Which regions are likely to face the worst heat?
According to the IMD’s seasonal outlook for April-June 2026, above-normal heatwave days are expected over:
Temperatures in several parts of the country have already crossed 44-45 degrees Celsius in recent days. Maharashtra’s Akola and Amravati recently touched 45.6 degrees Celsius, among the hottest places globally during the period.
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The IMD has also noted that warm nights and hot, humid conditions in coastal regions could worsen heat stress, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, outdoor workers and the elderly.
The IMD expects heatwave conditions to persist in many regions through May, though intermittent thunderstorms and rain spells may continue in parts of north, east and central India due to active western disturbances and local weather systems.
Why is India seeing heatwaves, hailstorms together?
At first glance, heatwaves and hailstorms appear incompatible. Hail forms in strong thunderstorms with cold upper atmospheric conditions, while heatwaves are linked to intense surface heating. But meteorologists say both can occur at the same time because India is geographically vast and multiple weather systems are currently interacting simultaneously.
1. Western disturbances are colliding with hot summer air: One major reason is the repeated arrival of western disturbances — weather systems originating near the Mediterranean region that bring moisture and instability into north India.
These systems are currently interacting with extremely hot surface temperatures across the plains. The result is violent atmospheric instability, which can trigger: Thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, hailstorms and sudden rain spells. At the same time, areas not directly affected by these disturbances continue to bake under dry continental heat.
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2. Surface temperatures are extremely high: During May, land temperatures across India rise sharply due to intense solar heating. Large parts of the interior routinely cross 40 degrees Celsius before the monsoon arrives.
This creates strong upward movement of hot air. When moisture from western disturbances or local circulations mixes with this heated air, towering thunderclouds develop rapidly. In severe cases, these clouds can produce hailstones.
Climate change is making weather more erratic
Climate scientists have repeatedly warned that global warming increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
Rising baseline temperatures are making Indian heatwaves longer and more severe, while warmer air can also hold more moisture, increasing the chances of intense short-duration rainfall and thunderstorms.
Experts say this “weather whiplash” — rapid shifts between extreme heat and severe storms — is becoming more common across South Asia.
FAQs
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Which parts of India are likely to face the worst heatwave conditions in May?
The IMD has said above-normal heatwave days are likely in northwest India, including Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, as well as central India, parts of eastern India and some areas of the southeast peninsula.
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Why are heatwaves and hailstorms happening at the same time in India?
Meteorologists say this can happen because different weather systems are active together. Western disturbances are bringing moisture and instability, while intense surface heating is pushing temperatures very high, leading to thunderstorms and hail in some places and dry heat in others.
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What is causing thunderstorms and hail during extreme summer heat?
Very high land temperatures create strong upward movement of hot air. When this heated air mixes with moisture from western disturbances or local weather systems, tall thunderclouds can form quickly and may produce lightning, gusty winds, rain and hail.
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Who is most at risk during the current heatwave conditions?
Children, elderly people and outdoor workers are among the most vulnerable. The IMD has also warned that warm nights and hot, humid coastal conditions can increase heat stress and make recovery from daytime heat more difficult.
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Is climate change making India’s weather more erratic?
Yes, experts say rising temperatures are making heatwaves longer and more intense. Warmer air can also hold more moisture, which increases the chances of intense short-duration rainfall and thunderstorms, leading to sharp swings between extreme heat and severe storms.
Published on: May 1, 2026 3:10 PM IST
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