The southwest monsoon is steadily advancing across the country, bringing much-awaited relief from scorching summer temperatures to some regions while posing fresh challenges for travellers in others. According to the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) latest All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin issued on June 13, conditions are favourable for the monsoon to move further into Maharashtra, the remaining parts of Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and parts of Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and Chhattisgarh over the next two to three days.
For travellers planning road trips, mountain getaways or weekend escapes, the weather outlook suggests keeping a close eye on local forecasts before setting out.
Monsoon Progress and Rainfall Forecast
The IMD said the Northern Limit of Monsoon currently passes through Harnai, Solapur, Hyderabad, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Kalingapatnam, Paradeep, Baripada, Purulia, Dhanbad and Muzaffarpur, indicating that the seasonal rains are gradually covering larger parts of the country.
The Northeast and eastern Himalayan regions are expected to receive the heaviest rainfall over the coming days. Assam and Meghalaya are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall on June 13, while Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura are also under heavy rainfall warnings. Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim are expected to receive persistent rain, with very heavy rainfall likely between June 16 and 17.
Travel Advisory for Hill Destinations
For tourists heading to hill destinations in Sikkim, Darjeeling and the Northeast, authorities advise caution. Heavy showers can trigger waterlogging, landslides and temporary disruptions to road connectivity. It is recommended that travellers allocate extra time, plan their travel routes based on current road conditions, and avoid travelling through landslide-vulnerable areas during heavy rains.
Heavy Rains in Kerala and Other Regions
Kerala and Mahe, where tourism usually peaks during the monsoon season due to rain-enjoyed landscapes and Ayurvedic treatment, can also expect heavy rains from June 13-14. Despite the rains making Kerala appear greener and more attractive, tourists need to anticipate some interruptions along the way.
Odisha and Bihar can also be hit by heavy rains along with thundershowers and squally winds on June 13. Similar conditions are forecast for parts of Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh.
Thunderstorm and Squall Warnings
Thunderstorm activity will remain widespread across several parts of the country. Rajasthan is likely to experience thundersqualls with wind speeds reaching 60 to 70 kmph, gusting up to 80 kmph, on June 13. Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh may witness squalls with gusts reaching up to 70 kmph. Travellers are advised to avoid open areas during thunderstorms, postpone outdoor excursions when weather warnings are issued, and refrain from taking shelter under isolated trees.
Heatwave Conditions Persist
Meanwhile, heatwave conditions continue to affect pockets of central and western India. The IMD has forecast heatwave conditions over Marathwada, Telangana, Vidarbha and West Rajasthan on June 13, with Vidarbha likely to remain under heatwave conditions until June 16. Visitors travelling to heritage sites or wildlife parks in these areas must refrain from outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day, remain hydrated, and take proper precautions against sunburn.
With the arrival of the monsoon travel season in India, it provides one of the best travel seasons in India, with misty hills and waterfalls. With proper planning and preparation, travellers can benefit from their journey.
