Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Weather conditions across much of North India are expected to remain unstable over the next few days, with the India Meteorological Department predicting ongoing rainfall and thunderstorm activity through May 6.
According to the forecast, regions including Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh will witness intermittent showers, particularly between May 2 and May 5, with additional light rainfall likely at isolated locations thereafter. Gusty winds and lightning strikes may accompany these spells.
Meteorologists have attributed the changing weather to successive western disturbances impacting the northern belt. While temperatures may edge up slightly in the immediate term, a gradual cooling trend is expected to follow, bringing daytime readings down by a few degrees.
However, not all regions will experience relief. Parts of the Himalayan foothills such as Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir, along with areas in western and southern India, are likely to continue facing above-normal heat levels.
Officials also indicated that the southwest monsoon could begin its seasonal progression over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands around the middle of May. Overall rainfall across the country is projected to remain within normal limits, although some pockets in eastern and northeastern India may receive less than usual precipitation.
The recent weather developments follow a relatively dry April, with rainfall figures ranking among the lower levels recorded in recent years. Meanwhile, agricultural authorities say the current conditions may assist farmers in harvesting late-season crops, though fluctuating temperatures could impact certain crops during critical growth stages.
