Will it rain or heat up? Anticyclonic system likely to develop over India

This pattern, expected to strengthen between May 10 and 13, has become a topic of discussion as it could influence conditions over a wide region.

In Short

• Strong high-pressure system to form over northwest India by May 10-13
• Anticyclone will cause stable weather with little rain and rising temperatures
• Cities like Ahmedabad, Jaipur to experience very hot afternoons, poor night cooling

With summer already making its presence felt across much of India, meteorologists are closely watching a significant weather development building over the northwest.

A strong high-pressure weather system is forecast to form in the coming days, drawing attention from meteorologists and prompting early alerts for residents in several states.

This pattern, expected to strengthen between May 10 and 13, has become a topic of discussion as it could influence conditions over a wide region. While May often brings hot weather, this particular system stands out because of its potential scale and intensity.

HOW'S THE WEATHER IN COMING DAYS?

The developing system is an anticyclone and will lead to sinking air motion over large parts of northwest and central India.

Anticyclones tend to create stable atmospheric conditions with fewer clouds and little chance of rain in the near term.

As a result, temperatures are likely to rise sharply after May 11 in many areas, with northwest Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and western Madhya Pradesh expected to experience the strongest impact, and with several places likely to cross 45°C.

Some locations could see even higher readings during the peak phase of the weather shift.

Major cities such as Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and parts of interior Maharashtra should prepare for very hot afternoons and limited nighttime cooling.

The combination of clear skies and trapped hot air is likely to make outdoor activities challenging during peak hours, affecting commutes and outdoor workers.

All in all, the northwest Indian region will experience the formation of heat domes, resulting in scorching temperatures.

WHAT IS A HEAT DOME?

A heat dome begins when a strong anticyclone develops over a region.

As the high pressure builds, air starts sinking from higher altitudes towards the ground. This sinking air compresses and warms up, acting like a giant lid over the atmosphere. It traps the hot surface air below, prevents clouds from forming, and blocks any cooling rains.

Under clear skies, the sun heats the ground intensely day after day, and the trapped heat keeps building up.

In the current case, this process is expected to intensify over northwest India from May 10-13, leading to a sharp and prolonged rise in temperatures across multiple states.

USUAL WEATHER FLUCTUATION

Weather experts have clarified that such intense heat phases are a normal part of India’s pre-monsoon season. The country regularly sees temperature fluctuations during May, though the current system appears particularly robust.

People in the affected regions are advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight between noon and 4 pm, and take extra care of children, the elderly, and outdoor workers.

Simple steps like using light clothing, keeping electrolyte drinks ready, and recognising signs of heat stress can make a big difference.

While this heat spell is genuine, authorities urge everyone to rely on verified weather updates from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

Although May has had some recent days of rain and storms and cooler temperatures, the coming days are expected to compensate for the lack of hot days so far.

- Ends