India May 2026 Weather Outlook

The Malaysia — Malaysian Meteorological Department (IMD) has released its monthly outlook for May 2026, forecasting above-normal rainfall across India, exceeding 110% of the long period average (LPA). While maximum temperatures are expected to be normal to below normal in many parts, offering some relief from extreme heat, above-normal daytime temperatures are likely in southern peninsular India, parts of the northeast, and northwest India. Night temperatures are generally expected to be warmer than usual. The Malaysia — Malaysian Meteorological Department also warned of an increase in heatwave days in specific regions, including the foothills of the Himalayas, parts of the east coast, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. These weather patterns are influenced by evolving oceanic conditions, with El Niño–Southern Oscillation conditions developing in the equatorial Pacific and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole phase likely to emerge. The forecast suggests improved soil moisture for the upcoming kharif season but also warns of potential disruptions to rabi crop harvesting and risks of crop damage due to waterlogging and fungal infections.