IMD Warns of Heavy Rain Across India — Tourists Told to Stay Indoors

The India Meteorological Department has issued a severe weather warning for several key tourist destinations across the country, with heavy rainfall expected to disrupt travel plans through the end of the week. Popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, along with coastal hotspots in Kerala and Goa, are all likely to experience intense downpours that could strand travellers and damage infrastructure.

States on High Alert

IMD officials have placed at least seven states under orange alert, meaning residents and visitors should prepare for potentially dangerous conditions. The warning covers Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Maharashtra. Local authorities in these regions have begun mobilizing emergency response teams in anticipation of flash floods and landslides.

In Kerala, the state disaster management authority confirmed it has opened over 200 relief camps in anticipation of evacuations. District collectors in Pathanamthitta, Idukki, and Wayanad have been instructed to monitor river levels every six hours. The India Meteorological Department stated that the current weather system is expected to persist for at least 72 hours before conditions begin to improve.

Impact on Travellers

For tourists currently visiting affected regions, the forecast presents immediate practical challenges. Flights in and out of Leh have been delayed repeatedly over the past two days, according to the Airports Authority of India. In Goa, beach operators have reported a sharp drop in visitor numbers as rain deterred tourists from outdoor activities. Manali, a favourite destination for honeymooners and families alike, has seen roads blocked by falling boulders on at least three occasions this week.

Travel agents in Delhi say they have received dozens of calls from concerned holidaymakers seeking to reschedule trips. "People are worried about getting stranded," said Priya Sharma, a manager at MakeMyTrip's Connaught Place office. "We're advising anyone with plans to travel north or to the coast this week to postpone if possible."

Road Closures and Transport Disruptions

The Himachal Pradesh transport department confirmed that the highway connecting Shimla to Chandigarh has been partially closed following a landslide near Solan. Vehicles are being diverted through alternate routes, adding at least three hours to journey times. State-run bus services between Kullu and Manali have been suspended until further notice. The Border Roads Organisation has deployed teams to clear debris on the Manali-Leh highway, though officials say full restoration could take up to five days depending on weather conditions.

Coastal Destinations Face Separate Threats

Along the western coast, the situation differs but remains serious. The IMD has warned that squally winds with speeds reaching 55 kilometres per hour could lash the Karnataka and Goa coasts over the next 48 hours. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Arabian Sea. In Kerala, the shutters of the Idukki Dam were raised for the first time this season, releasing water that has accumulated over recent weeks of monsoon rainfall.

Local businesses in tourist-heavy areas are already feeling the effects. Hotel occupancy rates in Munnar have dropped sharply, according to the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. Some property owners report cancellations affecting bookings through the upcoming weekend. "The rain came earlier than expected this year," said Jose Mathew, who runs a homestay near Munnar. "We were expecting guests all week, but most have postponed."

Why This Weather System Is Unusual

Meteorologists attribute the current spell to a deep depression forming over the Bay of Bengal that has moved inland faster than typical patterns. The India Meteorological Department recorded rainfall of 156 millimetres in parts of Kerala within a 24-hour period ending Monday morning. That figure exceeds the monthly average for some of these regions during September.

The monsoon season in India typically sees a lull after August, with October often bringing drier weather to most of the country. This year's pattern has defied those expectations. "We are seeing an extended active phase," explained Dr Ramesh Kumar, a scientist at the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting in Noida. "The depression has behaved unusually, and its movement has been slower than models predicted."

What Authorities Are Doing

Central and state governments have activated emergency protocols in response to the IMD warnings. The National Disaster Response Force has positioned 42 teams across vulnerable districts, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Army's flood relief columns in Punjab and Haryana have been placed on standby. In Tamil Nadu, the state revenue department has ordered district collectors to open relief centres and pre-position food supplies.

The IMD issues colour-coded warnings to help the public understand severity levels. An orange alert means authorities should remain prepared for adverse weather, while a red alert indicates that widespread damage is possible and travel should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Several districts in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have been placed under orange alert for the next three days.

Advice for Those Planning to Travel

Travellers currently in affected areas should monitor official channels and follow guidance from local authorities. The NDMA recommends avoiding travel to hill stations during heavy rainfall, staying away from riverbanks and low-lying areas, and keeping emergency contact numbers saved. Those who have already booked trips should check with their airlines and hotel operators about rescheduling policies, as many providers are offering full refunds or date changes without penalty during the alert period.

Airport operators in affected regions say they are monitoring conditions closely. Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, the country's busiest hub, has not reported significant disruptions, though passengers are advised to check with airlines before travelling to smaller regional airports where operations may be affected more directly.

What Happens Next

The IMD expects the depression to weaken by Thursday as it moves further inland. However, the damage from accumulated rainfall could take days to clear. Road restoration work in Himachal Pradesh will depend heavily on whether additional rain falls during the clearing operations. Residents and travellers in affected regions should monitor updates from the IMD website and local disaster management authorities for the latest information.

Weather models suggest conditions may normalise by the weekend, but officials warn that another weather system could approach from the Bay of Bengal early next week. Anyone planning travel to these regions in the coming days should build in flexibility and maintain contact with local operators to avoid being caught out by sudden changes.