India Sees Rare Cool May Weather Amid Rainfall and Easterly Winds; Heatwave Conditions May Return Soon

India is experiencing an unusually cool start to May this year, offering relief from the scorching summer temperatures that typically dominate the season. Several regions across northern, eastern, and central India have recorded daytime temperatures significantly below normal, with some places reporting deviations of up to 13 degrees Celsius.

One of the most notable changes was observed in Uttar Pradesh, where the Hardoi weather station recorded a maximum temperature of just 26°C on May 8 — the lowest May temperature ever recorded at that location.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), many parts of the country are expected to continue witnessing normal to below-normal maximum temperatures throughout May 2026. The weather department had earlier predicted that periodic weather disturbances and changing wind patterns could prevent extreme heat conditions from fully developing during the early summer weeks.

Meteorologists say the primary reason behind the cooler conditions is the influence of easterly winds, which have helped reduce daytime heating and maintain lower temperatures during mornings and evenings. In addition, repeated western disturbances have brought intermittent rainfall across several states, disrupting heatwave formation and cooling the atmosphere.

Earlier forecasts had raised concerns about severe summer conditions after temperatures in parts of western and central India touched nearly 45°C even before May began. However, timely rainfall activity helped moderate the heat across many regions.

Despite the current relief, weather experts warn that the cooler spell may not last long. The IMD has forecast above-normal temperatures and increased heatwave activity later this month, especially across parts of southern, northwestern, and northeastern India.

The department also expects above-normal rainfall across most parts of the country during May, although some eastern and northeastern regions may continue to receive below-average precipitation.

Climate experts note that while short-term weather systems are temporarily easing summer conditions, long-term climate trends still indicate increasingly hotter summers in India. Concerns around El Niño conditions also remain, as they could impact the upcoming monsoon season and prolong warmer weather patterns later in the year.