The southwest monsoon is advancing across India, bringing much-needed rains to various regions while also posing new challenges for travelers. According to the latest report from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), favorable weather conditions will allow the monsoon to move into parts of Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh over the next four to five days.
Weather Forecast for Tourists
Tourists heading to India's mountainous and coastal areas can expect a week of heavy rains, thunderstorms, heatwaves, and strong winds. The highest precipitation is predicted for northeast India, where states including Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura will experience widespread rains until June 23. Very heavy rains are expected in certain areas of Assam and Meghalaya. Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim may also see extended periods of heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Impact on Hill Stations
This information is crucial for travelers planning visits to hill stations such as Cherrapunji, Shillong, Gangtok, and other Himalayan locations, as heavy rains could trigger landslides and waterlogging-related issues.
South India and Rajasthan
In south India, heavy rainfall is forecast to persist throughout the week in Kerala and Mahe, with additional heavy showers expected in Tamil Nadu. Tourists visiting Rajasthan should prepare for weather surprises, as the IMD has indicated a chance of thunder squalls with gusty winds up to 80 kmph and dust storms in western Rajasthan on June 18 and 19.
Northwest India
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds are likely in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and other northwestern parts of India in the coming days. While rain showers may offer some relief from extreme heat, weather disturbances could disrupt outdoor sightseeing and road travel.
Heatwave Conditions
As the monsoon progresses, heatwave conditions persist in many parts of central and northern India. Areas under heatwave alerts include Bihar, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra, and Marathwada. On June 17, Prayagraj recorded the highest maximum temperature in India at 45 degrees Celsius.
Travel Advisory
Travelers are advised to stay updated on local weather information, especially if they plan to visit areas experiencing heavy rain in the coming days. Weather disturbances may lead to waterlogging, traffic jams, poor visibility, and even landslides, impacting road connectivity in certain places. Outdoor travelers and road trip enthusiasts seeking a nature break during the upcoming week may find flexibility in their travel plans essential during this monsoon season.
