NEW DELHI: Heavy pre-monsoon rains have hit several cities across India, including Pune, Goa, and Bengaluru. The downpour caused waterlogging and traffic disruptions in many parts of these cities. According to the IMD, the unusual early rains are due to shifting weather patterns and could signal an active monsoon season ahead.

Pune weatherIn early May, Pune experienced unusually heavy pre-monsoon rainfall, causing waterlogging and traffic disruptions. Notably, Chinchwad recorded around 80 mm of rain in 24 hours. Several parts of the city, including Kharadi and Hadapsar, faced flooding due to intense thunderstorms.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued yellow and orange alerts for Pune and surrounding districts warning of continued heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Authorities were on high alert, managing stormwater drains and traffic to reduce inconvenience.

Goa weatherThe coastal state of Goa witnessed continuous heavy rainfall coupled with thunderstorms and strong winds reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h. North and South Goa districts were placed under an orange alert by the IMD.

This led to flight delays at Dabolim Airport and disruptions in ferry services. Residents reported flooding in low-lying areas, and the local disaster management teams were activated to respond to potential emergencies.

The heavy rain is unusual for this early May period and is attributed to intensified pre-monsoon weather activity.Bengaluru weatherHeavy showers lashed several parts of Bengaluru, especially in the southern and eastern parts of the city like Koramangala, HSR Layout, and Whitefield.

Rainfall, accompanied by gusty winds and lightning, led to traffic snarls and minor flooding in underpasses. The BBMP (civic body) said it received over 120 rain-related complaints, including about fallen trees and damaged electric poles. Despite disruptions, the rain helped reduce the city’s rising temperatures.Delhi weatherDelhi's heat index soared to nearly 50°C due to high humidity, despite the maximum temperature being 41.8°C.

Power demand peaked at 7,401 MW. IMD predicts scattered thunderstorms and gusty winds till 22 of May. Humidity and discomfort are expected to persist.Hyderabad weather The city received moderate to heavy rainfall, mainly in western and central zones like Gachibowli, Banjara Hills, and Mehdipatnam. GHMC workers were active through the night to remove water from major intersections. No major damage was reported, but several commuters faced delays during the evening rush.

Electricity supply was briefly interrupted in some localities.Lucknow weatherLucknow is expected to see scattered thunderstorms and moderate rainfall over the next two to three days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This change in weather is likely to bring temporary relief from the scorching daytime heat. However, due to rising humidity, nights will remain warm and uncomfortable. Gusty winds with speeds of 40–50 km/h and occasional lightning are also expected, especially in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Bhopal weatherBhopal reported high temperatures with chances of thunderstorms and light rain. Heatwave alerts were issued for multiple districts, with Khajuraho recording extreme heat conditions.Ahmedabad weatherAs per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ahmedabad is expected to experience scattered thunderstorms and moderate rainfall in the coming two to three days. Fluctuating temperatures, with some relief from the daytime heat.

However, humidity levels will rise, leading to warmer nights. Along with rain, there may be gusty winds and occasional lightning, making the weather somewhat unstable during this period.Chennai weatherSouthern and central parts of Chennai, including Tambaram, Velachery, and Adyar, saw brief but heavy rain. Localized flooding was reported in low-lying areas. Subways at Vyasarpadi and Perambur were temporarily closed due to waterlogging.

The Greater Chennai Corporation urged residents to avoid venturing out during peak rainfall hours. Kerala weather The southwest monsoon is predicted to arrive early over Kerala by May 24 or 25, nearly a week ahead of the usual June 1 onset. This early arrival is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to the west coast, including Karnataka, Konkan, Goa, and Kerala, lasting until May 26.Jaipur weatherThe city recorded a minimum temperature of 27.7°C, marking a slight rise in night temperatures after a brief cooling spell due to rain in some parts of Rajasthan.

As per IMD, Jaipur will experience scattered thunderstorms and moderate rain with gusty winds and lightning for the next 2–3 days. A cyclonic circulation over central Pakistan and moisture from the Arabian Sea are causing this. Temperatures will fluctuate, with some relief from heat but higher humidity and warmer nights.Kolkata weatherThe minimum temperature rose to 28.7°C in Kolkata, two degrees above normal.

West Bengal’s western districts saw light to moderate rain. IMD forecasts scattered rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds over the next 2–3 days due to moisture from the Bay of Bengal, bringing discomfort but some relief from the heat.Northeast weatherHeavy overnight rain in Guwahati, Assam caused severe waterlogging across the city, submerging roads and residential areas. Localities like Zoo Road, Hatigaon, Ganeshguri, and Maligaon were heavily inundated, with water levels reaching chest height in some areas. Traffic came to a standstill, schools were shut, and power cuts were reported. Ambulances were stuck, and many houses were flooded. The IMD has forecast heavy rain for the next 2–3 days, with authorities remaining on alert.Authorities are monitoring the situation and have urged residents and travellers to stay alert and follow weather advisories.