Hyderabad, May 2: IMD forecasts above normal rainfall in May even as several regions face rising heat stress, according to the latest monthly outlook.
The India Meteorological Department released its temperature and rainfall forecast for May 2026 on Friday. It said rainfall across the country may exceed 110% of the Long Period Average.
Maximum temperatures are likely to remain normal to below normal in many regions. However, southern peninsular India, parts of the northeast, and northwest India may see above normal temperatures.
Minimum temperatures are expected to stay above normal in most areas. Meanwhile, parts of northwest and central India may record normal to below normal night temperatures.
IMD forecasts above normal rainfall in May with heatwave risk
The IMD has warned of above normal heatwave days in select regions. These include the Himalayan foothills, east coast states, and parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Rainfall is likely to be normal to above normal in most regions. However, parts of east, northeast, and east central India may receive below normal rainfall.
The IMD noted that ENSO neutral conditions are shifting towards El Niño in the Pacific. Models suggest this may develop during the upcoming southwest monsoon.
At the same time, the Indian Ocean Dipole remains neutral. It may turn positive later in the monsoon, which could influence rainfall patterns.
The IMD said the forecast may support harvesting of late rabi crops in north and northwest India. Milder daytime temperatures could help threshing activities.
However, localised heat may stress crops in southern, northeastern, and northwestern regions. This may affect rice, maize, pulses, and vegetables.
Higher night temperatures may also reduce grain filling efficiency. In addition, more heatwave days could cause moisture stress and crop damage.
Farmers may face higher irrigation demand due to rapid soil moisture loss in heat prone areas.
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