New Delhi, May 31: The much-feared Nautapa — traditionally the hottest period of May — seems to have lost its grip this year, as widespread rainfall and gusty winds sweep across northern India. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab are all set to receive light to moderate rain over the next three days. With the monsoon progressing faster than usual, north India could see its arrival within 10 days.
Monsoon Breaks Early, Brings Down Temperatures Nationwide
The monsoon hit Kerala eight days early, and is rapidly moving across the country. This early onset has led to a significant drop in temperatures nationwide. Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab have already witnessed cloudy skies, scattered rainfall, and cool breezes — a much-welcome relief from the usual pre-monsoon heatwaves.
So far, the monsoon is active over Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and parts of West Bengal, and is now making its way toward the northeastern states.
Rain and Winds Across North and Northeast India
The IMD has predicted the following conditions over the coming days:
Heavy rainfall in sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh
Moderate to heavy rain with thunderstorm activity in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad
50–60 km/h winds likely in parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh
Moderate showers in Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, and surrounding areas
Rainfall Alert for 50 UP Districts
In a major update, the IMD has issued a rain alert for nearly 50 districts in Uttar Pradesh on May 31 and June 1. Strong winds of up to 55 km/h are expected. The cloud cover and intermittent showers have significantly subdued temperatures, making this one of the coolest Nautapa periods in recent memory.
Weather Shift in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh
Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh are also bracing for a change in weather patterns. Rain and strong winds are expected in Patna, Vaishali, Siwan, Chhapra, Bhojpur, and Buxar, among other districts, with potential relief from high temperatures. The IMD predicts light to moderate rainfall in these states over the next 48 hours.
Assam Issues Special Leave, Shuts Schools Amid Torrential Rain
In Assam, persistent rainfall over the past 48 hours has prompted the state government to declare a special casual leave (SCL) for government employees. All schools and colleges in Kamrup and Kamrup Metro districts will remain closed on Saturday. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made the announcement, urging residents to stay safe as the state continues to battle intense rain.
Monsoon Outlook: North India to See Arrival Within 10 Days
As per the IMD’s tracking, the monsoon, which has already reached Maharashtra 12 days early, is likely to cover Uttar Pradesh and Delhi within the next 10 days. Until then, pre-monsoon showers are expected to continue, keeping temperatures in check and delaying the onset of typical June heatwaves.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
