Indian tourists may need to brace for a challenging week ahead, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast predicting a mix of extreme heat, rainfall, thunderstorms, hailstorms, and strong winds across multiple tourist zones from May 27 to 31.
Unpredictable Weather Patterns Across Regions
According to the latest IMD bulletin, Northeast India, parts of South India, the Himalayan region, and northern states will experience unpredictable weather. Meanwhile, northwestern and central India will continue to face highly volatile conditions.
Thunderstorms and Hailstorms
Thunderstorm activities are expected in several regions. Thundersqualls with wind speeds of 70-80 kmph are likely in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gangetic West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Karnataka, and Jharkhand. Hailstorms are predicted in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh.
These conditions could disrupt treks, wildlife safaris, camping, road travel, and other outdoor tourism activities. Strong winds may cause falling tree branches, power outages, and transport delays.
Heavy Rainfall in Northeast India
Popular hill stations and nature destinations in Northeast India are expected to receive the heaviest rainfall this week. States like Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim face heavy rainfall warnings. The IMD has warned of localized flooding, waterlogging, poor visibility, and landslide hazards in vulnerable hill stations such as Shillong, Cherrapunji, Gangtok, Kaziranga, Tawang, and Assam tea plantations. Road travel in hilly regions may become difficult during heavy rain.
Monsoon Active in Kerala and Coastal South India
The IMD predicts extensive rainfall in Kerala, Lakshadweep, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, indicating an active monsoon phase. Heavy rains are forecast for Kerala, Mahe, Lakshadweep, and North Interior Karnataka, while thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds may occur in some southern regions. Tourist destinations like Munnar, Wayanad, Coorg, Ooty, and the Western Ghats may experience slippery roads, poor visibility, and delays. Waterfalls may attract large crowds, but adventure sports could be hampered.
Turbulent Seas Affect Tourism and Ferry Services
Marine conditions are expected to be rough in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. Squally weather with wind speeds of 40-60 kmph is forecast over Kerala coasts, Lakshadweep, Gulf of Mannar, Sri Lanka coasts, south Bay of Bengal, and parts of the Andaman Sea. This may temporarily affect ferry services, boat tours, fishing, and water sports in coastal and island tourism zones. Tourists planning marine activities are advised to check local forecasts before departing.
Heat Wave Persists in North and Central India
While rain affects southern and northeastern India, northwestern and central India face severe heat wave conditions. Rajasthan, Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh are likely to experience heat wave or severe heat wave conditions this week. This could adversely affect tourism in destinations like Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi, and others in Rajasthan due to dangerously high temperatures.
Advice for Travelers
With weather activity increasing across multiple locations, flexibility is crucial for tourists this week. The IMD advises checking local weather forecasts, traffic reports, and airline or transport updates before traveling. Those visiting rain-affected areas should add buffer time to their plans and avoid unnecessary travel during active weather. Those heading to heat wave-affected areas should schedule sightseeing for mornings or evenings and carry water and sun protection.
As the southwest monsoon approaches, weather extremes will be observed across India in the coming days.
