Planning a Trip to South India This Week? IMD Issues 70 km/h Thundersquall and Heavy Rain Warnings for 5 States — Full List
Travelers traveling to South India this week should be alert for changes in weather conditions after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued new warnings about heavy precipitation, thunderstorms, lightning, and thundersqualls with winds ranging from 0 to 70 km/h. The unstable weather is due to a continued increase in pre-monsoon activity and an upswing in moisture from both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. Authorities advise travelers that they could be affected by sudden storms and could see disruption of their travel plans due to this unstable weather along with hazardous road conditions throughout southern states.
Which States Are Under IMD Alert?
As per IMD’s latest advisories, the following southern states will experience intense weather activity:
- Kerala
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
Why the Weather Is Turning Severe
Meteorologists believe that the effects of high daytime temperatures plus an increase in moisture have created very unstable conditions in southern India’s atmosphere and as pre-monsoon winds increase in strength prior to the start of the southwest monsoon season, thunderstorms will be better organized and hence have been more likely to generate strong winds, lightning and short- duration heavy rainfall.
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Tourist Destinations Could Face Disruptions
It is expected that tourist destinations throughout South India will be affected by the weather during this week. Popular resorts that are found in hilly districts, such as those in Munnar, Coorg, Ooty, and Kodaikanal, could face slippery roadways, fog and delays.
Why Southern India Is Seeing More Intense Storms
Climate scientists report that the combined effects of rising ocean temperatures and increased levels of moisture in the upper atmosphere are contributing to the intensification of meteorological phenomena associated with pre-monsoon systems across South Asia.
Southern Indian places often experience large thunderstorm systems just before the onset of the monsoon; these severe weather systems produce very heavy rainfall (along with even stronger winds) in a short amount of time.
Final Words
While these very large amounts of rain will help provide some respite from the heat during the summer months, the effects of high winds, thunderstorms and lots of rain may cause problems for visitors and tourists traveling through southern India in the near future. Visitors and tourists should check with local authorities and keep informed about official forecasts for their safety as well as heeding warnings related to severe weather events while traveling through southern India this week.
FAQs
What South Indian states are under IMD Weather Advisory this week?
This week, at least five South Indian states are under IMD Weather Advisories: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
How strong might winds reach during thunderstorms?
The estimated maximum wind speed for some thunderstorms could be up to 70 km/hr.
Will travel plans for visitors/tourists be affected by thunderstorms?
Yes, thunderstorms with moderate to heavy rainfall and poor visibility are likely to affect flights as well as ground transportation for visitors/tourists.
Will hill station areas be affected?
Yes, hill station areas could have slippery roads and foggy travel conditions, and possibly landslide conditions because of the heavy rains that are expected.
