Tourists planning a trip to India this week should closely monitor weather updates. According to the All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on June 16, the southwest monsoon front is expected to advance within the next four to five days. This weather event will bring relief from the scorching summer heat but also potential travel complications.
Monsoon Advancement
Current conditions favor the advance of the southwest monsoon into additional areas of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and some districts of Chhattisgarh. The northern edge of the monsoon season currently passes near Harnai, Solapur, Hyderabad, Bhadrachalam, Koraput, Ranchi, and Muzaffarpur.
From a tourism perspective, these developments bring both opportunities and challenges. Rain showers transform Indian locations into picturesque and beautiful places, but they may also cause flight delays and cancellations, road closures, floods, and landslides in various parts of the country.
Northeastern Region
The region most likely to be affected by the wet period is the Northeast. The IMD predicts a spell of general rainfall over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura throughout the week, with some areas experiencing very heavy rains from June 17. This is likely to affect travel plans to popular destinations like Shillong, Tawang, and Ziro Valley, as roads in these areas are highly susceptible to landslides during rainy days. Travelers should be prepared to change plans accordingly.
Eastern Himalayan Region
Severe weather conditions are also expected in the eastern Himalayan region. Heavy rainfall is predicted to lash Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, with very heavy spells forecast from June 17 to June 20. Popular tourist destinations such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Gangtok may experience difficulties in terms of visibility and road conditions.
Jharkhand and Bihar
Jharkhand and Bihar have been placed under heavy rain warnings by the IMD for June 16 to June 19. The department has also warned about thundersqualls in the region on June 20 and June 21.
Southern India
Weather in Southern India is quite opposite yet equally exciting. Kerala, known for monsoon tourism, will see widespread to fairly widespread rainfall this week, with the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall on June 16. Rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal areas will continue between June 16 and June 18. While monsoon tourism at places like Munnar, Wayanad, Thekkady, and the Nilgiris can offer wonderful sightseeing, authorities often restrict entry into ecologically sensitive regions during heavy rainfall. Tourists are advised to check road conditions and tourist spots before proceeding.
Karnataka will see increased rain activity. Coastal Karnataka will experience widespread rainfall later in the week, while south interior Karnataka will have enhanced monsoon activity starting June 19.
North India
North India continues in a transition phase. Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will experience isolated rainfall over the next few days, with precipitation in Jammu & Kashmir becoming fairly widespread from June 18. An isolated hailstorm is forecast in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh on June 18 and 19. Travelers intending to visit popular hill stations like Manali, Dharamshala, Shimla, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam should expect rapidly changing weather conditions. Driving in the mountains could become extremely tough due to thunderstorms and hail.
Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds
The weather agency has forecast thunderstorms with gusty winds in various regions. Thunderstorms with winds of 40-60 kmph could hit areas including Haryana, Delhi, and Punjab several times this week. West Rajasthan may face thundersqualls with wind gusts up to 60-70 kmph and occasional gusts up to 80 kmph on June 16. East Rajasthan could see thundersqualls with gusts up to 70 kmph on June 17 and 18. Those planning to visit deserts like Jaisalmer and Bikaner may notice changes by tour operators due to local conditions.
Heat Wave and Humidity
While monsoon advances, heat remains a concern in parts of the country. A heat wave is likely over Telangana on June 16 and over Vidarbha on June 16 and 17. Hot and humid weather is predicted in Konkan and Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, and Odisha.
Marine Tourism
Marine tourism could be impacted as the IMD advises fishermen against venturing into the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal sectors up to June 20 due to squally weather and high wind speeds. Operators of boat rides and related marine tours may temporarily suspend operations according to local guidelines.
Travel Advisory
Heavy rains can cause water logging, traffic problems, visibility issues, and local landslides. Travelers are recommended to check traffic conditions before heading to their destinations. Stay updated with the latest lifestyle news and trends from the TOI Lifestyle Desk.
