A massive cloud band has formed over much of North and Central India, with satellite imagery showing a strong development of rain-bearing weather systems across the subcontinent.
The cloud belt, which originated in Pakistan, covers large parts of northwest India, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of central India, before moving over eastern India and the Bay of Bengal.
Delhi residents got some relief on Thursday as heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds swept across parts of the city, with the National Capital recording high temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the city, warning of moderate to severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, dust storms, and isolated hailstorms.
The current spell of rain and thunderstorm activity is expected to continue till May 31, according to news agency PTI.
North India continues to endure intense heat, with temperatures steadily rising across the region. Banda in Uttar Pradesh emerged as the hottest location, recording a scorching 47.5 degrees Celsius, while Jhansi followed with 46.5 degrees Celsius.
IMD has also issued a heavy rain alert for Uttarakhand, predicting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hail in several parts of the state on Friday.
India is expected to get a slightly weaker monsoon at 90 per cent than previously predicted 92 per cent, with IMD suggesting that El Niño conditions may develop during the southwest monsoon, which can weaken rainfall in India.
