IMD forecast warns of widespread rain and storms in these states: How India’s changing weather may impact travellers

The weather in India over the next few days promises to be highly unpredictable, with the occurrence of thunderstorms, showers, warming and localized conditions of heatwave affecting travel plans in different regions. As per the latest All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin released on May 5 at 8pm, a blend of weather activities, including the Western Disturbance prevailing over the northern areas and cyclonic circulations prevailing in central and north India, will dictate the travel scenario over the next two weeks.In North India, the situation continues to remain highly uncertain. Areas like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and parts of Uttar Pradesh are predicted to receive isolated showers along with thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds blowing up to 30-50 kmph on May 6. In Uttarakhand, unsettled weather is predicted to prevail till May 8, and in Rajasthan, isolated rains are anticipated till May 9. Isolated spells of showers and thunderstorms are predicted to reappear again during May 10-11, which can hamper road travel in mountainous terrain and delay train and aircraft services.For East and Northeast India, the outlook indicates higher chances of precipitation. Heavy rains are predicted in Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh in the initial days of the week, whereas continuous rains with thunderstorms and high winds are anticipated in sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Travellers planning visits to these regions should be prepared for waterlogging in urban centres and possible landslides in vulnerable hill areas.Thunderstorm activities and windy conditions are also expected in Central India, covering states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, especially within the initial part of the predicted period. While there might not be substantial rains in this region, there is a possibility that changing weather conditions can impact driving on the highways and outdoor activities. Hailstorm activity has also been flagged in some areas, which could briefly intensify conditions and reduce visibility.The weather scenario for Southern India will be quite different from that of the northern and central parts of India. The states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and some parts of Karnataka are expected to get constant rains throughout the week, with heavy rainfalls in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Similarly, thunderstorms with gusty winds are also likely in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and interior Karnataka. This will mean that travellers face the risk of being delayed and facing slippery and cloudy conditions in the evenings and nights.The possibility of heatwave is seen in sporadic regions of West Rajasthan from 9th May till 11th May. On the other hand, the conditions of hot and humid nature will prevail in selected regions of Andhra Pradesh, Konkan and Goa and Gujarat, which may interfere with outdoor sightseeing.Similarly, precautions should also be taken for marine conditions. The fisherfolk has been advised not to venture out in the sea in selected regions of Bay of Bengal, particularly off Odisha and West Bengal due to squally conditions. This warning, again, is for marine activities only and reflects that there will be rough seas in those regions.Travellers should keep themselves informed about the local weather advisories and plan their visits accordingly.