Satellite images showing cloud bands moving away from northwest India have brought temporary relief from widespread rain and thunderstorms, but weather experts say the calm may not last long.
A fresh Western Disturbance is expected to affect North India between May 11 and May 13, likely reviving rain, thunderstorms and cooler conditions across several states.
Meteorologists say the current weather system that triggered rain over parts of Rajasthan, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir has weakened and moved eastward, leading to a reduction in rainfall activity over northwest India.
“In the past 24 hours, southern and eastern parts of Rajasthan recorded light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and strong winds. The western disturbance has now moved past most regions, and weather is likely to remain mainly dry in the coming days,” said Radheshyam Sharma, Director of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Jaipur centre.
The clearing skies are also visible in recent satellite imagery, which shows cloud masses retreating from Rajasthan, Punjab and adjoining areas.
However, weather experts caution that another active Western Disturbance is already forming and could once again change conditions over North India next week.
Western Disturbances are weather systems originating over the Mediterranean region that travel eastward and frequently bring winter and pre-monsoon rain to northern India.
During summer, they can trigger sudden thunderstorms, gusty winds and hailstorms, often disrupting rising temperatures temporarily.
According to forecasts, Jammu and Kashmir and other Himalayan regions may witness widespread rain, thunderstorms and lightning between May 11 and 13. The return of rain could also bring a brief dip in temperatures after several days of rising heat.
For now, heat is expected to intensify over western Rajasthan. Barmer recorded a maximum temperature of 41.7 degrees Celsius, while cities such as Phalodi and Jaisalmer could touch 45 degrees Celsius around May 9, according to the IMD.
Sharma said temperatures across most parts of Rajasthan may rise by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over the next few days. A fresh heatwave is likely in western Rajasthan, although eastern parts of the state are expected to remain below normal temperatures for at least three to four days.
Meanwhile, rainfall activity is expected to increase over northeast India during the next 24 hours as moisture-laden winds strengthen over the region.
Weather experts say the coming week could bring rapidly changing conditions across India, with heatwaves in the west and thunderstorms returning to the north.
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