Travellers warned of heavy rain, storms and heatwaves across popular destinations in India; all you need to know

India's weather map is undergoing a dramatic shift as the southwest monsoon prepares to push deeper into the country over the next few days. While the advancing rains are welcome news for parched regions and travellers eager to experience the country's celebrated monsoon landscapes, the latest bulletin from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) also brings a word of caution: several popular tourist destinations are expected to witness heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hailstorms and even heatwave conditions.According to the IMD's All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin issued on June 10, conditions are favourable for the southwest monsoon to advance into more parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, the remaining parts of Tamil Nadu, as well as portions of Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal over the next four to five days.For travellers, this means the arrival of the season that transforms waterfalls into roaring spectacles, forests into emerald landscapes, and hill stations into misty retreats. But it also means navigating weather-related disruptions.Some of India's most sought-after monsoon destinations are likely to receive significant rainfall in the coming days. IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya through much of the week. Coastal Karnataka and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim are also expected to witness intense rain spells.The forecast could particularly impact travel plans to destinations such as Cherrapunji and Shillong in Meghalaya, the tea-growing landscapes of Assam, Sikkim's mountain routes, and Karnataka's famed Western Ghats. These regions attract thousands of visitors during the monsoon season, drawn by overflowing waterfalls, cloud-covered valleys and lush scenery.However, authorities warn that heavy rainfall may lead to waterlogging, reduced visibility, localised flooding and occasional landslides in vulnerable areas. Travellers heading to these regions should monitor local advisories closely and build flexibility into their itineraries.Kerala, Konkan and Goa, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and parts of Karnataka are also expected to witness heavy rainfall on select days.Goa's off-season appeal has increasingly attracted visitors seeking quieter beaches and dramatic monsoon landscapes. Similarly, Kerala's Ayurvedic retreats and houseboat experiences continue to remain popular during the rainy season. Yet, the IMD has cautioned that heavy rain could disrupt road movement, increase travel times and affect outdoor sightseeing activities.The bulletin notes that urban areas may experience traffic congestion due to waterlogging, while vulnerable structures could sustain damage during intense weather events.While monsoon rains dominate much of the country, northern India faces a different set of weather challenges.Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are expected across several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Telangana. Strong thundersqualls, with wind speeds reaching up to 70 kmph, have been forecast over Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand and parts of Uttar Pradesh.Hailstorm activity is also likely over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana and adjoining regions during June 11 and 12.The warnings could affect travellers planning trips to Himalayan destinations and pilgrimage circuits. Mountain roads may become hazardous during periods of intense weather, while strong winds could disrupt outdoor activities and local transport operations.Even as monsoon advances elsewhere, parts of north India continue to grapple with scorching conditions.Heatwave conditions are likely over Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Punjab, West Rajasthan and West Uttar Pradesh through June 11. Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and East Uttar Pradesh may also witness heatwave conditions on June 10.For tourists exploring Delhi's heritage attractions or embarking on summer journeys through Rajasthan's desert landscapes, the IMD has advised minimising prolonged exposure to the sun, staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours.India's monsoon season has increasingly become a tourism draw in its own right. From chasing waterfalls in the Western Ghats to exploring mist-covered tea estates in the Northeast, travellers are embracing destinations traditionally avoided during the rains.Yet the latest weather bulletin serves as a reminder that monsoon travel demands preparation.Checking weather forecasts before departure, allowing extra travel time, avoiding flood-prone routes and heeding local advisories can make all the difference.