Travellers across India are urged to exercise caution as widespread rains, thunderstorms, and high winds are predicted to disrupt transportation in several regions, according to the All India Weather Summary & Forecast Bulletin released on May 2 at 07:53 PM. Heavy precipitation is expected over the next five days, particularly in the Northeastern and Eastern parts of the country, while the South may also experience prolonged showers, posing threats to land, railway, and air travel.
Northeast Faces Maximum Impact
The Northeastern region is likely to bear the brunt of the current weather pattern, with fairly widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds prevailing over the next five days. States such as Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, especially during the early part of this period. These hilly areas are prone to flooding, reduced visibility, and landslides, which could significantly affect road travel.
Eastern and Central Regions Under Warning
West Bengal and Sikkim are also under a multi-day rainfall warning, with thunderstorms and high winds expected to intensify from May 4 to May 5. Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha will experience occasional rain and thunderstorms for the next seven days. Thunder squalls with winds reaching up to 70 kilometers per hour are likely in some areas, potentially causing flight delays, train cancellations, and highway closures.
Northern and Western Regions
Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan are predicted to see sporadic showers with thunderstorms and windy conditions until the first week of May. Hail storms and dust storms may occur in isolated patches, particularly on May 4 and 5. This weather could pose challenges for those planning trips to hilly destinations, where landslides and road obstructions are common.
Southern Peninsula to Experience Continuous Rains
The central region, including Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, will witness isolated thunderstorms with strong winds. In the southern peninsula, states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh will experience scattered to widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms until at least May 6. Heavy rains are expected in Kerala and Tamil Nadu until May 8, followed by heavy showers in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on May 5 or May 6. Initially, heatwave conditions may prevail in coastal Andhra Pradesh, while hot and humid weather is likely in Tamil Nadu and its coastal areas.
Marine Conditions and Advisories
Marine conditions are anticipated to remain difficult with strong winds over the Bay of Bengal, leading to rough seas along the coastal regions of Odisha, West Bengal, and neighboring Andhra Pradesh. Fishing activities are advised against during this period due to the hazardous conditions.
Potential Impacts and Travel Advice
The expected weather impacts include urban flooding, waterlogging, heavy traffic, and possible infrastructural damage. Hilly regions may experience landslides and mudslides. Travellers are advised to stay informed about weather conditions and allow extra time for their journeys. Those planning to visit the Northeastern, Eastern, or Western Himalayan parts of India may need to adjust their itineraries accordingly over the next few days.
