IMD outlook: heatwaves likely in second and fourth weeks of May 2026
Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh, citing the IMD outlook on 2 May 2026, said heatwave conditions are likely mainly in the second (8–14 May) and fourth (22–28 May) weeks of May, with 2–4 extra heatwave days in some regions, and urged people not to panic.
Summary
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, briefing the media on 2 May 2026 on the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) monthly outlook and extended-range forecast, said there was no reason for panic over May heat. Above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over southern peninsular India and parts of northeast and northwest India, while a large part of the country may see normal to below-normal temperatures; heatwave conditions, with about 2–4 more heatwave days than normal, are expected over the Himalayan foothills, parts of the east coast including Odisha, coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat and Maharashtra. Higher temperatures are expected in the second (8–14 May) and fourth (22–28 May) weeks, while the first and third weeks are likely to be cooler due to western disturbances and thunderstorms; ENSO-neutral conditions currently prevail.
Key facts
- Heatwave weeks
- 8–14 May and 22–28 May 2026
- Cooler weeks
- 1–7 May and 15–21 May (western disturbances, thunderstorms)
- Extra heatwave days
- About 2–4 above normal in some regions
- Heatwave regions
- Himalayan foothills, Odisha, coastal AP, adjoining TN, Gujarat, Maharashtra
- ENSO
- Neutral conditions prevailing
Practice MCQs 2 questions
According to the IMD extended-range forecast cited on 2 May 2026, which weeks of May 2026 were expected to be relatively hotter, with heatwave conditions?
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Correct answer: D — 8–14 May and 22–28 May
Relatively higher temperatures were expected in the second (8–14 May) and fourth (22–28 May) weeks; the first and third weeks were expected to be normal to below normal.
Consider the following statements based on the IMD outlook for May 2026 cited by the government: 1. ENSO-neutral conditions were prevailing. 2. Above-normal maximum temperatures were expected over the entire country. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct: ENSO-neutral conditions prevailed, and a large part of the country was expected to see normal to below-normal temperatures.