Travelers within India should prepare for a week of weather disturbances, as the India Meteorological Department has issued warnings of thunderstorms, rainfall, hailstorms, and heat waves across various regions. In the northern hills, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir, travelers can expect scattered rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and occasional hail over the coming days. Popular tourist destinations in these areas may experience temporary travel disruptions due to slippery roads and interrupted sightseeing tours. Those heading to high-altitude locations should stay informed about weather alerts, particularly concerning strong winds and rainfall expected from May 11 to 14.
The northwestern plains will also be affected, with cities in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi anticipating light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and winds reaching up to 60 km/h. Meanwhile, the northeastern states will continue to experience significant rainfall activity until at least May 16, with regions such as Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh likely to face intense rainfall and thunderstorms. Travel routes through hilly areas may encounter landslides and localized flooding, necessitating caution for tourists planning to visit the northeast.
In eastern India, thunderstorms and gusty winds are forecasted for Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of West Bengal, while heavy rainfall is expected in the sub-Himalayan regions of West Bengal and Sikkim, popular for their cool summer climates. The southern states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, will likely see thunderstorms, occasional rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds. Tourist spots in Kerala and Lakshadweep may experience sporadic heavy rains, potentially disrupting ferry services.
Despite the rain, heat will remain a significant concern in western India, with heat wave conditions anticipated in parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and western Madhya Pradesh over the next few days. Barmer in Rajasthan recorded a high of 46.8°C on May 10, marking it as one of the hottest areas in the country. Such conditions can make daytime sightseeing exhausting and hazardous for tourists, especially those on road trips.
A low-pressure area is expected to form in the southwest Bay of Bengal, which could further increase rainfall in southern and eastern India. For holidaymakers, the upcoming days will require flexibility in travel plans and vigilance regarding weather updates. It is advisable to check flight and train schedules in advance, avoid unnecessary travel during storm warnings, pack essentials like rain gear, extra water, and medications, and refrain from venturing into landslide-prone areas during heavy rainfall.
Source: Times of India
