Heavy rain in Kerala, hailstorms in Delhi: IMD warns of weather disruptions that could affect travellers across India

Travellers planning to hit the road, catch flights, or embark on monsoon getaways over the next week may need to keep a close eye on weather forecasts. According to the latest All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a mix of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hailstorms, heat waves and rough sea conditions is expected across different parts of the country between June 12 and June 17.The weather pattern reflects a country transitioning deeper into the southwest monsoon season. While rain-lashed landscapes may delight those seeking misty hill stations and dramatic waterfalls, the same conditions could also lead to travel disruptions, traffic snarls and delays across several popular destinations.Kerala and Coastal Karnataka are among the regions likely to witness the most persistent wet weather. The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over Kerala, Mahe and Coastal Karnataka on June 12, with heavy rain continuing over these areas through much of the forecast period. For travellers, this means that destinations celebrated for their monsoon beauty—from the backwaters of Kerala to the lush landscapes of the Western Ghats—could experience waterlogging, reduced visibility and occasional interruptions to outdoor activities.The northeastern states are also set for an active spell of weather. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on June 12 and June 13, with heavy showers likely to continue until at least June 17. Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, increasingly popular among monsoon travellers, are similarly expected to receive heavy rainfall over several consecutive days. These conditions could affect road journeys through mountainous terrain. The IMD has warned that heavy rainfall may trigger localised flooding, landslides, mudslides and reduced visibility in vulnerable areas. Travellers heading to hill destinations in Sikkim, Meghalaya or Arunachal Pradesh may wish to build flexibility into their itineraries and keep track of local advisories before undertaking long drives.Eastern India is also expected to experience an active weather phase. Bihar and Jharkhand are likely to receive heavy rainfall on June 12 and 13, while Odisha could witness heavy showers from June 12 through June 15. Telangana, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Interior Karnataka and parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are also expected to experience periods of significant rainfall during the early part of the forecast period.In contrast, parts of northern India are bracing for severe thunderstorm activity rather than sustained rain. Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and adjoining regions are likely to witness thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds and, in some places, hailstorms. The IMD has forecast thundersqualls with wind speeds reaching 60–70 kmph and gusting up to 80 kmph over Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan on June 12.Hailstorms are also likely in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh and western Uttar Pradesh. Such weather conditions can occasionally disrupt flight operations, slow road traffic and affect sightseeing plans, particularly in destinations dependent on outdoor experiences.For travellers heading to Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand, sudden weather changes remain a possibility even if prolonged rainfall is not forecast. Those planning mountain holidays are advised to monitor local updates, especially before travelling through landslide-prone routes.Adding another layer to the weather story, heat wave conditions are expected to persist in isolated pockets of Telangana, Vidarbha and Coastal Andhra Pradesh during the initial days of the forecast period. Konkan and Goa, meanwhile, are likely to experience hot and humid conditions despite the advancing monsoon.According to the IMD, the expected impacts of heavy rainfall include localised flooding, waterlogging in low-lying urban areas, temporary closure of underpasses and traffic congestion leading to longer travel times. Minor damage to vulnerable structures and disruptions along key transport corridors are also possible. In hilly regions, landslides and mudslides remain among the primary concerns.