Travel advisory: IMD issues heatwave warning for multiple states, heavy rain alert for hill regions

As much of India awaits the further advance of the southwest monsoon, travellers across several parts of the country are currently facing sharply contrasting weather conditions. While intense heatwave conditions continue across northern and central regions, parts of southern and northeastern India are bracing for heavy rainfall, creating challenging conditions for tourism and travel.

The latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department suggests that the coming week may require travellers to plan more carefully, whether they are heading to hill stations, beaches, wildlife destinations or major cities.

The immediate concern remains the persistent heatwave affecting large parts of northwest and central India. According to the weather agency, heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to continue across Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Coastal Andhra Pradesh through much of the week.

Uttar Pradesh remains under a red alert, while several other states continue to be placed under orange alerts due to elevated temperatures.

Banda in Uttar Pradesh recorded the country’s highest temperature at a blistering 47.6°C, underlining the severity of current weather conditions.

For travellers, the extreme temperatures could significantly affect plans involving outdoor activities, particularly across north Indian cities and tourist circuits. Popular routes covering Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Varanasi, along with destinations across central India, are likely to experience difficult daytime conditions with prolonged exposure to heat posing risks of dehydration and heat exhaustion.

The continuing spell of hot weather may also affect road travel and sightseeing schedules, especially during afternoon hours when temperatures are expected to remain at their peak.

At the same time, heavy rainfall warnings across southern and northeastern regions could create a different set of travel challenges, including disruptions to transport services, delays and localised flooding in some areas.

With India transitioning toward the monsoon season, weather conditions are expected to remain highly variable across regions, making updated forecasts an important factor for those planning journeys in the coming days.

Travel experts recommend avoiding prolonged outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours in heatwave-affected areas, carrying adequate hydration supplies, and closely monitoring local weather advisories before finalising itineraries.