Indian tourists might have to prepare themselves for a tough week ahead as per the forecast issued by
India Meteorological Department (IMD), where there will be a mix of extremely hot temperatures, rains, thunderstorms, hailstorms, and gales prevalent in multiple tourist zones across the nation between May 27 and 31.
According to the latest weather bulletin released by IMD, Northeast India, some parts of South India, Himalayan region and northern states will observe unpredictable weather during the week, while the regions of Northwestern and Central India will continue to see highly unpredictable weather.
Thunderstorm activities are also foreseen in various regions. Thundersqualls with wind speeds ranging up to 70 to 80 kmph are expected to prevail during the week in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gangetic West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Karnataka, and Jharkhand.
Activities of hailstorms are also predicted in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh.
IMD weather update
This could pose difficulties for treks, wildlife safaris, camping, travel by roads, and any outdoor tourism-related activity. In addition, strong winds could result in the fall of tree branches, disruption of electricity supply, and transport delays.
Heaviest rainfall activity expected in Northeast India
Popular hill and nature destinations across Northeast India are expected to receive some of the heaviest rainfall in the country this week. The states of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim will face heavy rainfall warnings at various times in the coming days.
For those planning their travels to locations such as Shillong, Cherrapunji, Gangtok, Kaziranga, Tawang, or Assam tea plantations, the IMD has warned of localized flooding, water logging, poor visibility, and even landslide hazards in vulnerable hill stations.
Travelling on the roads in the hilly regions may prove difficult when rainfall is high.
Kerala and coastal South India enter active monsoon phase
The IMD has also predicted extensive rainfall activity in Kerala, Lakshadweep, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and some parts of Andhra Pradesh in the days ahead, indicating that the monsoon will be in full swing in South India soon.
Heavy rains are predicted over Kerala, Mahe, Lakshadweep, and North Interior Karnataka during certain periods of the week, while thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds can be witnessed in some southern regions.
Tourist destinations like Munnar, Wayanad, Coorg, Ooty, and Western Ghats may experience slippery roads, poor visibility, and possible delays. Tourists visiting the waterfalls in large numbers are anticipated because of the early rainfall. However, some activities such as adventure sports may get hampered.
Turbulent waters in the sea may hamper the tourism industry and ferry service
Marine conditions are also expected to be turbulent in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal regions. The squally weather with wind speeds of 40-60 kmph has been forecasted over Kerala coasts, Lakshadweep, Gulf of Mannar, Sri Lanka coasts, south Bay of Bengal, and some parts of the Andaman Sea.
This situation can have temporary effects on ferry movements, boat tours, fishing, and water sports in the coastal and island tourism zones. People planning marine activities or travel to islands are being told to keep track of their local weather forecasts before leaving.
Heat wave persists in North and Central India
While rainfall impacts southern and northeastern India, large swathes of northwestern and central India are currently experiencing severe heat wave situations. Rajasthan, Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and Chattisgarh are some of the areas likely to experience a heat wave or severe heat wave situation this week.
Such a heat wave condition can adversely affect tourism in many tourist destinations due to the dangerous levels of temperatures in those areas. Some examples of such tourist destinations would be Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi, and many others in Rajasthan.
Travellers advised to remain flexible
With weather activity increasing across several locations at once, flexibility might be crucial for tourists this week. According to the IMD, people need to check local weather predictions, traffic reports, and even airline or transport company information prior to travelling.
Those who travel to places affected by rains have been suggested adding buffer time to their plans and not undertake any unnecessary travels when the weather is highly active. On the other hand, those who intend to visit locations impacted by heatwaves should organize sightseeing during mornings or evenings and take water and sun protection measures.
With the arrival of the southwest monsoon approaching fast, weather extremes of all kinds will be seen all around India in the upcoming few days.
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