Rainfall, thunderstorms and cloud cover brought a decisive end to the intense heatwave that had gripped large parts of India, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirming on Sunday that heatwave conditions have subsided nationwide.

Temperatures dropped sharply across several states as active weather systems triggered rain, strong winds and dust storms. While the change brought widespread relief from weeks of scorching heat, it also caused travel disruptions and affected religious events in some regions.

 Heatwave finally breaks

After prolonged spells of 45°C-plus temperatures in many areas, Sunday’s weather shift offered a visible respite. The IMD said the combination of moisture-laden winds and western disturbances led to the sudden change.

Officials noted that maximum temperatures in previously heatwave-hit zones fell by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius compared to earlier in the week.

 Rajasthan sees second dust storm

Parts of Rajasthan witnessed dust storms for a second consecutive day. On Sunday evening, a thick sandstorm hit Jaisalmer, turning daylight into near-darkness within minutes. Videos circulating from the area showed towering clouds of dust rolling across the desert landscape.

Phalodi, one of Rajasthan’s hottest towns, recorded a relatively lower maximum of 42.6°C. The state had already experienced a major dust storm on Saturday that affected Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Churu, Hanumangarh and Sikar – an area of nearly 200 square kilometres – with wind speeds reaching 56 kmph.

 50 rescued from swollen river in Uttarakhand

In Uttarakhand’s Champawat district, more than 50 devotees attending the annual Jod Mela at Shri Reetha Sahib Gurudwara were stranded after a nearby river swelled due to heavy rain. Local authorities and security forces launched a rescue operation and evacuated everyone safely by late evening.

The sudden surge in river currents also disrupted movement in other parts of the hill state. Officials said no casualties have been reported.

 Kedarnath Yatra temporarily halted

Heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions forced authorities to suspend the Kedarnath Yatra as a precaution. Pilgrims already en route were advised to wait at designated stops until weather clears. The decision came after several stretches of the trek received intense downpour, increasing the risk of landslides.

 UP, Bengal see relief rain

Several Uttar Pradesh districts received moderate showers. Ballia recorded 34.4 mm of rain, Moradabad 21.8 mm, and Lucknow 2.4 mm. The state capital’s maximum temperature dropped to 36.3°C – nearly 4°C below normal – while the minimum settled at 24.7°C.

In Kolkata, afternoon rain accompanied by strong winds flipped umbrellas and caused waterlogging in low-lying areas. Pushkar in Rajasthan also saw heavy rain, leading to similar water accumulation on streets.

 Monsoon to reach Kerala by June 4, says IMD

The IMD has forecast that the southwest monsoon is likely to arrive in Kerala around June 4. However, the agency warned that the upcoming rainy season may be weaker than normal. India could receive about 78 cm of rainfall between June and September, below the long-term average of 87 cm.

While Bihar and Uttar Pradesh may get near-normal rain, several other regions – particularly rain-fed agricultural zones – face the risk of below-normal precipitation.

 What to expect on June 2 and 3

Strong winds of 40–50 kmph are likely on June 2 over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Rajasthan. Maharashtra and Karnataka may witness thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds. Widespread rainfall is expected across Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.

On June 3, thunderstorms with similar wind speeds are forecast for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, UP and Rajasthan, with dust storms likely in some areas. Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar could see rain and lightning. The northeast will continue to receive heavy to very heavy showers.