Probabilistic Forecast for the Temperature during May 2026 During May 2026, maximum temperatures are expected to be normal to below normal across many parts of the country. However, above-normal temperatures are likely in many parts of southern peninsular India, some parts of the northeast, and northwest India. During May 2026, minimum temperatures are expected to be above normal across many parts of the country. However, many areas of northwest India, along with some parts of the central India and adjoining areas of peninsular India and southern parts of northeast India, are likely to experience normal to below-normal minimum temperatures. Heat wave outlook for the May 2026 During May 2026, above normal heatwave days are likely over some parts of the foothills of the Himalayas, east coast states, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Probabilistic Forecast for the Rainfall during May 2026 The rainfall during May, 2026 averaged over the country as a whole is most likely to be above normal (>110% of LPA). The LPA of rainfall over the country as a whole during May based on data of 1971-2020 is about 61.4 mm. The normal to above-normal rainfall is likely over most parts of the country except some parts of east and northeast India and east central India where below normal rainfall is likely. Likely Impact of Temperature Forecast on Agriculture in May 2026 Moderately favourable conditions for harvesting and threshing of late rabi crops in north and northwest India Normal to below-normal maximum temperatures over most parts of the country may help in reducing heat stress and support better grain filling and harvesting operations. Localised above-normal temperatures in parts of the southern peninsular, northeast and northwest India may induce heat stress during the reproductive stages (flowering and grain filling) of rice (summer/Boro), maize, pulses (green gram, black gram) and vegetables, leading to poor grain setting and flower drop. Above-normal minimum temperatures across most parts of the country may increase respiration losses and reduce grain filling efficiency in rice, maize and pulses. Increased heatwave days over parts of Gangetic plains, coastal and western India may lead to severe moisture stress in crops due to high evapotranspiration, causing flower and fruit drop in crops like mango, banana, tomato and chilli, and sunburn in fruits and vegetables. Rapid depletion of soil moisture in heatwave-prone regions, affecting summer crops and increasing irrigation demand. Agromet Advisories due to temperature forecast for May 2026 Provide light and frequent irrigation to standing crops at critical growth stages (flowering and grain filling) in rice, maize, pulses and vegetables, particularly over heatwave-prone regions (Gangetic plains, coastal and western India). Apply foliar spray of potassium nitrate or other anti-transpirants to help crops manage heat stress. Maintain adequate soil moisture through mulching and adopt short-duration and heat-tolerant varieties for summer crops wherever possible. Schedule field operations during morning and evening hours and avoid peak afternoon periods. Provide shade, adequate drinking water and proper ventilation for livestock; avoid exposure to extreme heat during peak hours. Regularly monitor crops for increased incidence of insect pests and diseases and adopt appropriate control measures. Likely Impact of Rainfall Forecast on Agriculture in May 2026 Above-normal rainfall over most parts of the country may improve soil moisture availability, favouring summer crops and land preparation for kharif sowing Excess rainfall may cause waterlogging, poor aeration and increased incidence of fungal diseases. Improved soil moisture conditions may support preparatory tillage and early activities for kharif sowing. Delay in harvesting and threshing operations of late rabi crops in regions receiving excess rainfall. In regions with less rainfall, soil moisture stress may develop, particularly in rainfed areas, affecting standing summer crops and irrigation availability. Agromet Advisories due to Rainfall forecast for May 2026 Ensure proper drainage in fields to avoid waterlogging in regions receiving above-normal rainfall. Undertake timely harvesting of matured crops during dry spells to minimize losses due to rainfall. Adopt water conservation practices such as mulching and efficient irrigation methods. Undertake appropriate plant protection measures to prevent fungal diseases under humid conditions. Source : IMD