With the peak summer season for tourism in India facing an arduous week ahead owing to forecasts of deadly weather conditions by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), severe heatwaves, torrential rain, thunderstorms, and gusts of wind will batter various prime tourism spots around the country.
Monsoon Advancement and Rainfall Patterns
As per the All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin of IMD, conditions have become favourable for the further advancement of the southwest monsoon into more regions of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. This could lead to an increase in rainfall activity in southern and northeastern parts of India.
Heavy Rainfall in the Northeast
One of the rainiest travel destinations in India is set to continue receiving heavy rainfall. Places like Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim can expect heavy to very heavy rainfall. Assam and Meghalaya could also experience extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations. This might have a considerable impact on tourism at destinations such as Shillong, Cherrapunji, Gangtok, Kaziranga, Tawang, as well as many mountain roads used for road trips or backpacking tours. IMD has issued alerts related to flooding, poor visibility, traffic jams, and the danger of landslides. Travellers planning road trips may face uncertainties due to landslides and mudslides caused by heavy rainfall in prone areas. Additionally, water logging is anticipated in urban areas, potentially disrupting transportation systems. Weather experts suggest avoiding flood-prone locations and seeking local advice before heading out.
Kerala and Coastal Regions During Monsoon
The southern parts of the country will experience turbulent weather over the next few days as well. Widespread precipitation accompanied by storms, flashes of lightning, and strong wind gusts are expected in Kerala, Lakshadweep, coastal Karnataka, interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and parts of Andhra Pradesh. This likely means that the onset of monsoon conditions will be felt very early at beaches and hill stations. Tourist hotspots like Munnar, Wayanad, Coorg, Ooty, Kochi, and the Western Ghats can expect wet conditions with slick roads, hazy visibility, heavy downpour, and delays on the roads. While the rains may attract monsoon season tourists to waterfalls and green landscapes, the unpredictability of outdoor activities may pose challenges. Heavy rain is forecast in Kerala and Mahe until 28 May, whereas heavy rainfall spells may occur over Lakshadweep and Karnataka as well.
Rough Sea Conditions Impacting Island and Coastal Tourism
In addition to the weather forecasts, IMD has also released warnings for rough sea conditions in certain parts of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. Squally conditions with winds blowing at speeds of 40 to 60 kmph are expected in areas off the coast of Kerala, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, the Comorin area, and the south Bay of Bengal region. Such conditions are likely to affect ferry movement, boating, island tourism, fishing, and beach activities.
Heatwave Continues to Grip North and Central India
While rainfall occurs in southern and northeastern India, the northern and central India regions are still struggling with dangerous heatwave conditions. As per forecasts by IMD, severe heatwave conditions will prevail in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi for the next few days. Heatwave conditions will also prevail in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh. Many places are expected to face very high daytime temperatures, making tourism difficult and risky. This is particularly hazardous for elderly people and children. According to IMD, the highest temperature recorded was 47.2 degrees Celsius in Brahmpuri, Maharashtra, the highest in the country. Tourism destinations like Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, and some wildlife sanctuaries in central India may see reduced tourist activity during the day as tourists try to escape the hot afternoon weather.
Thunderstorms May Disrupt Road Trips and Outdoor Tourism
Along with heatwaves and heavy showers, IMD has predicted thunderstorms and wind in several other states such as Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, with wind speeds possibly reaching 70 kmph in some places. These weather patterns may affect trekking routes, camping, safari tours in wildlife reserves, and long-distance road travel.
Advice for Travellers
Given that more than one type of weather pattern is active simultaneously across the country, travellers should be ready to adapt to changing circumstances. Tourists are advised to keep an eye on weather reports, especially when planning road trips in mountainous areas and outdoor activities in heatwave-hit zones. Those visiting rain-hit places have been asked to build buffer time into their itineraries, pack rain gear, and stay prepared for possible transport disruptions due to weather. Similarly, tourists travelling through heatwave-affected areas are advised to avoid midday sun exposure and sightseeing during afternoons.
