Travel Advisory: South India Braces For Heavy Rainfall, North & West To Get Warmer

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a travel advisory highlighting a dual weather pattern: heavy rainfall and chilly winds in south India, and warmer temperatures across northern and western states. The forecast suggests that thunderstorm showers will drench parts of south India until February 23 (although weather activity may continue to intensify over the next 36 hours), and then travel towards east and central India, triggering thunderstorm warnings.

Those planning to travel to the south India’s coastal regions, especially beaches and backwaters, are advised to alter their plans based on recent forecasts.

Weather advisory: Key state-wise takeaways

South India to witness heavy rain from Sunday, North to face abnormally hot days

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— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) February 21, 2026

IMD’s All India Weather Forecast Bulletin for the coming week highlights relentless rains, high-speed winds, and lightning, impacting 12 states.

• Thunderstorm showers, high-speed winds reaching up to 40 kmph, and lightning will likely lash south India’s Kerala, Mahe, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karai mainly through February 22-23, which can put travel plans on hold. Waterlogging in low-lying areas, unexpected cloud build-up and rainfall in hill towns, and traffic congestion may dampen the tourist experience.
• Andhra Pradesh’s State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has advised travellers to be wary of light-to-moderate rains and thunderstorms, primarily across Kadapa, Annamayya, Chittoor, and Tirupati.
• Over the next two days, thunderstorm activity will travel towards western and central India. Lightning and gust winds of 30-40 kmph are forecast for Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Rayalaseema, Telangana, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh. Localised rainfall is also likely across states. Those who are planning to book outdoor tourist activities between February 23-25 should keep a close tab on weather updates and have alternate plans in place.

• From February 23-26, weather conditions in the Andaman and Nicobar islands will also take a beating. With thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds in tow, ferry services, island excursions, and water sports may witness temporary operational disruptions.
• A rainfall warning has been sounded for Himachal Pradesh (February 23) and Uttarakhand (February 23-24).
• Over the next seven days, IMD has also forecast a gradual rise in maximum temperatures by 3-4 degrees Celsius across northwest India.

Got travel plans in south India? Here’s what to keep in mind

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has issued a heavy rainfall alert for parts of southern Tamil Nadu on Sunday…#OmmcomNewshttps://t.co/ePdmmv8yQg

— Ommcom News (@OmmcomNews) February 22, 2026

• Check for road closures or landslide warnings before heading out if you have plans to travel in south India.
• Be wary of train or flight delays due to rough weather. We recommend booking flights with flexible cancellation options.
• Avoid visiting beaches, hilly regions, and backwaters.
• If you’re planning to book water activities, check with local marine advisories beforehand.
• Avoid taking shelter at bus stops, beneath trees, or in tin sheds.

(Feature image credit: KIM JINHONG/Pexels)

Related | These Are The Best Times To Visit Southern India

Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.

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