This week, travelers across India are bracing for extreme weather in nearly every direction. While north and central India continue to grapple with a severe heatwave, the southern and northeastern regions are confronting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, humidity, strong winds, and rough seas. According to the latest bulletin from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued on May 23, India is witnessing one of the widest contrasts in weather phenomena during the pre-monsoon season.
Delhi's Rain Forecast Disappoints
Many in north India are wondering when Delhi will finally receive rain. The answer is disappointing: the capital is unlikely to see any rainfall for most of the coming week. The IMD forecast indicates no rainfall over Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi until May 27, with isolated showers possible only on May 28 and 29. Instead, Delhi will experience heatwave conditions from May 23 to 28, with severe heatwave specifically from May 24 to 27. For tourists visiting landmarks like Humayun's Tomb, Lotus Temple, India Gate, and Qutub Minar, the afternoon heat could make sightseeing highly exhausting due to excessive heat radiating from roads and stone structures.
North and Central India Under Severe Heatwave
Delhi is not alone. Large parts of northwest and central India are expected to remain under severe heatwave conditions for the next five to six days. The IMD warns that severe heatwaves are very likely in East Uttar Pradesh and East Madhya Pradesh throughout the week. Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi will face heatwave conditions until May 28, with severe heatwaves from May 24 to 27. Rajasthan, especially its western districts, is also expected to experience dangerous heatwaves. Vidarbha in Maharashtra remains one of the hottest regions, with Brahmapuri recording the highest maximum temperature in India at 47.2 degrees Celsius. For travelers, this heat could adversely impact tiger safaris in central India, road trips in Rajasthan, heritage tours, city tours, train journeys, desert tours, and outdoor adventure activities. Traveling in the afternoon will be particularly exhausting.
Humidity Adds to Discomfort
Areas not under heatwave alerts are likely to face humid weather. Hot and humid conditions are expected in Gangetic West Bengal and parts of Tamil Nadu. The combination of heat and humidity will make people feel much hotter than the recorded temperature. Travelers visiting Kolkata or coastal areas in Tamil Nadu will experience extremely exhausting and humid weather despite the absence of extreme heat. Warm nights are also forecast for Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Vidarbha, meaning temperatures will remain high even after sunset, offering no respite from the heat.
Heavy Rains in Northeast India
While north India faces a rain deficit, the northeast is bracing for excessive rainfall. The IMD predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya, with very heavy rains continuing in Assam and Meghalaya until May 25. Shillong, Cherrapunji, and mountain roads in Arunachal Pradesh may experience poor visibility, flooding, traffic disruptions, landslides, and mudslides. Travelers planning monsoon road trips in the northeast should allow buffer time in their itineraries and stay updated on local road advisories.
Kerala and Southern India Enter Heavy Rainfall Phase
Southern India has entered an extended period of intense rains. Kerala, Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu, interior Karnataka, Rayalaseema, and coastal Andhra Pradesh are likely to see widespread rainfall, along with thunderstorms and wind gusts in the coming days. Kerala and Lakshadweep are expected to witness particularly active rainfall conditions until at least May 28. These conditions could impact tourism activities such as houseboat trips in Alleppey, beach tourism in Varkala, ferry trips in Lakshadweep, hiking in the Western Ghats, and waterfall tourism in Karnataka and Kerala. On May 23, thundersqualls with gusts up to 50-70 km/h are predicted in interior Karnataka, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Rayalaseema.
Rough Seas May Affect Coastal Travel
The weather is also deteriorating in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. The IMD warns of squally weather with winds of 40-60 km/h near the coasts of Kerala, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, and Comorin areas. Strong winds are also expected in parts of the south Bay of Bengal. Travelers involved in marine activities over the next few days should watch for warnings.
Thunderstorms and Hailstorms
Several eastern and southern states will experience thunderstorms with strong winds and lightning. Thundersqualls with winds up to 70 km/h may occur in Jharkhand and Bihar between May 24 and 25. Isolated hailstorms are possible in Himachal Pradesh.
Monsoon Progress
Despite the extreme heat in the north, the southwest monsoon is advancing gradually. The IMD reports that favorable conditions have developed for further advance of the monsoon over more parts of the southeast Arabian Sea, Comorin area, Bay of Bengal, and Andaman Sea during the next two to three days.
