India’s weather map is entering a dramatic transition phase. While the Southwest Monsoon has advanced further over the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep, parts of the Bay of Bengal and surrounding regions, a separate spell of intense pre-monsoon activity is simultaneously impacting large parts of northern, central and eastern India. For travellers, the coming week is shaping up to be one of the most weather-sensitive periods of the season, with everything from heavy rain and hailstorms to dust storms, squally winds and localized flooding likely across multiple tourism hotspots.
According to the
IMD, weather conditions favouring monsoon progression into areas of Kerala and Tamil Nadu are prevailing during the next four to five days. Although the arrival of monsoons is good news for regions which are eagerly awaiting the onset of rain showers, it also marks the start of the monsoon travel season where weather conditions may become increasingly uncertain throughout the nation.
In North India, monsoon thunderstorms have provided respite from the searing hot weather. Due to monsoon thunderstorms in several parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and adjoining states, there was an observed fall in temperatures up to 8–15 degree Celsius below normal.
IMD weather update
But the cool weather does not come without caution. Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan will experience thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds, along with hailstorms in isolated locations. The wind speed can be between 60 to 80 kilometers per hour and isolated dust storms are also anticipated in Rajasthan and adjoining areas. Travellers are advised to be careful as the conditions are likely to lead to poor visibility, falling tree branches, and disruptions on highways. Weekend travellers to locations like Mussoorie, Nainital, Rishikesh, Jaipur, or any other hill stations in Himachal Pradesh should keep an eye out on their local weather forecast before their journey.
Also, travellers visiting any Himalayan state should watch out for weather forecasts. Heavy rains are likely to occur in Uttarakhand, while thunderstorms and hailstorms are also predicted in some parts of the state.
Kerala will continue to be one of the wettest states in the coming seven days, with rain expected nearly everyday. There could also be heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places. In terms of visiting the state to witness the monsoon experience, it might be time for those planning their trips to Kerala as the rains turn the hillsides verdant and waterfalls gushing.
But the rainfall may bring about difficulties such as waterlogging and low visibility, particularly in areas below sea level. Tourists planning on visiting tourist destinations in Kerala, like Munnar, Wayanad, Thekkady and the backwaters in Alappuzha, may find weather disruptions causing schedule changes.
There will be widespread rain in Lakshadweep over the week ahead as the monsoon progresses over the Arabian Sea. Rough seas will make boat rides difficult and wind speeds high, so travellers to the islands may have to be alert to weather warnings.
Rains and thunderstorms are also anticipated in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and certain areas in Karnataka. The interiors of Karnataka like Bangalore will experience rains with gusty winds that might result in cooler temperatures but can pose problems for travellers planning road and outdoor sightseeing trips.
On the other hand, the weather in Eastern India will present its own complications. One area especially susceptible to changes in weather in the short run includes the state of Odisha where there are expectations of thunderstorms, hail storms, excessive rainfall, and even squally winds blowing at wind speeds of about 80 kmph. Such weather may disrupt road travel, railway timings, and even coastal and inland tourism in the state.
Thunderstorms and rain showers are also expected in Bihar, Jharkhand, and certain parts of West Bengal. Travellers should prepare themselves for sudden changes in weather conditions, especially from afternoons into evenings due to the nature of convective activity.
In the Northeast, rain is expected in Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura throughout the week. Isolated instances of heavy rain will be experienced. For travellers, this means that they could enjoy picturesque views of lush greens with mist-covered hills and cascading waterfalls. It could also pose travel challenges due to slippery roads and possible floods that will disrupt travel plans.
There is yet another interesting weather pattern developing in central India where there are isolated instances of heat waves in addition to the expected storms and rains in various parts of the country. In Maharashtra, the city of Chandrapur recorded the highest maximum temperature in the country with 44.8 degrees Celsius.
Western parts of India will also continue to remain active. Thunderstorms along with gushy winds and heavy rainfall can be seen in Gujarat from May 31 to June 2.
As the incoming monsoon season is changing the landscape of southern and eastern parts of India, making it perfect for nature lovers and monsoon fans, it should also be noted that several warnings related to severe weather in different states would require extra planning and preparation for tourists.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department, heavy rains may cause water logging, localized floods, poor visibility and traffic jams, while thunderstorms and hailstorms may cause destruction of trees, electric cables and other fragile objects. Travellers are recommended to check all information about weather and traffic beforehand, and also avoid traveling in cases of severe storms.
Follow Us On Social Media