Heatwave in north, heavy rain in south: What India's weather has in store on Sunday
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued heatwave warnings for Delhi and several states on May 17, even as heavy rain is forecast across the northeast and south.
A tale of two Indias on May 17, 2026: scorching, hazy skies over Delhi contrasting with rain clouds gathering over Kerala and the northeast.
India is waking up to two very different Sundays on May 17, 2026.
While the northwest bakes under a fierce heatwave, the south and northeast are bracing for thunderstorms, heavy rain, and gusty winds. The contrast is dramatic, reflecting the competing weather systems at play as the monsoon slowly pushes northward.
WILL IT BE HOT OR RAINY IN INDIA ON MAY 17?
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued heatwave warnings for west Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, west and east Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Chhattisgarh.
In Delhi, temperatures could climb to between 39 and 42 degrees Celsius, with mostly sunny skies and very little chance of rain.
The IMD advises people in these regions to stay indoors during peak hours, remain well hydrated, and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity.
WHERE WILL HEAVY RAIN FALL ACROSS INDIA ON MAY 17?
The south and northeast paint a very different picture. IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Karnataka.
Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of up to 40 to 50 kilometres per hour are expected across these regions.
In hilly areas of the northeast, residents should stay alert to the risk of flash floods and landslides.
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE IN MAJOR CITIES?
Mumbai will be warm and humid, with highs of 32 to 35 degrees Celsius and a chance of isolated showers.
Bengaluru can expect cloudy skies and possible thunderstorms.
Chennai will be hot and humid, with temperatures touching 36 degrees Celsius. Kolkata and Hyderabad can both expect warm, partly cloudy conditions with thunderstorm chances.
WHEN WILL THE MONSOON ARRIVE IN INDIA?
The southwest monsoon has already advanced into parts of the southeast Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Sea, and the Nicobar Islands.
The IMD expects it to reach Kerala around May 26, give or take four days. Until then, the north will continue to bake while the south and northeast get their first taste of the monsoon season.
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