This year, September in India has left people surprised with unexpected thunderstorms and heavy rainfalls. It is usually the month when the southwest monsoon begins its gradual retreat from India. As September draws to a close, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across several states, with isolated heavy rainfall expected in parts of the country.According to the latest IMD forecast for September 28, rainfall is likely across parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, among other states. While some regions are experiencing isolated heavy rain, others are likely to see scattered showers and thunderstorms.Here are five states where the monsoon is still making its presence felt.Maharashtra
New Delhi, Sep 25 (IANS) With the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from Delhi, the weather in the national capital is set to change once again. According to the latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the weather is expected to remain mainly warm and partly cloudy on Friday. However, rainfall activity may increase from Saturday.
Maharashtra continues to see rainfall activity in parts of the state as September comes to an end. The IMD forecast isolated to scattered rainfall over Konkan and Goa and Madhya Maharashtra, with Marathwada also likely to receive rain on September 28. Thunderstorms and gusty winds have also been forecast in parts of the state.For travellers, the Western Ghats remain one of the most attractive places to experience the lingering monsoon. Lonavala and Khandala, surrounded by forests, hills and waterfalls, are particularly striking during the rainy season.However, visitors heading into the hills should check the latest local weather news before planning any sojourn.Karnataka
Bhopal, Sep 21 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhopal centre, on Monday evening issued a fresh warning of thunderstorms with lightning and heavy to very heavy rain over several Madhya Pradesh districts.
Karnataka in South India is also experiencing the September rains. The latest IMD forecast has put South Interior Karnataka under an isolated heavy-rainfall outlook from September 28 to October 1.The rain makes the Western Ghats particularly appealing at this time of year. Coorg, Chikkamagaluru, Sakleshpur and Agumbe are surrounded by coffee plantations, forests and misty hills. Karnataka’s Western Ghats is home to some incredible waterfalls which come alive during rains.But travellers are advised to check the local weather report before planning out.Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand
The mountains of Uttarakhand are also experiencing an active spell of weather as September nears its end. IMD has forecast fairly widespread to widespread rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning over Uttarakhand on September 28, along with isolated heavy rainfall.For travellers, the rain can cause landslides and unexpected traffic jams. This can also affect trekking plans and religious journeys up in the hills. Down in the foothills, Rishikesh combines the Ganga, temples, ashrams and forested surroundings. Incredible India lists September temperatures in Rishikesh at roughly 21.5°C to 36.8°C, although actual conditions can vary considerably with rainfall.Travellers need to be particularly weather-conscious.Himachal PradeshHimachal Pradesh is another Himalayan state seeing rain as September comes to a close. The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall in the state on September 28, with rain and thunderstorms expected across parts of Himachal Pradesh.The timing is interesting because September also marks the beginning of autumn in Himachal. The state tourism department describes September to November as the autumn season, when the valleys begin changing colour and several outdoor activities become possible.Travellers can look towards Kullu, Dharamshala, Mandi and parts of the higher Himalayas for a mix of mountain scenery, local culture and post-monsoon landscapes. But the lingering rain means caution is still essential. Himachal Tourism specifically advises travellers to be careful while driving during the monsoon because of slippery roads, landslides and rockfalls.Tamil NaduRain is also expected across parts of Tamil Nadu on September 28. The IMD has forecast isolated to scattered rainfall over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, along with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.For travellers, the state’s hill stations offer a very different September experience. Ooty and the Nilgiris are particularly suited to travellers looking for cool weather, green hills and mist. Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri Mountains, offers views of the surrounding hills and valleys, often with the landscape covered in mist.A rainy September, but check the forecast before you travelFor travellers, the lingering showers can mean greener landscapes and fewer of the harsh summer conditions associated with some destinations. But rain can also bring slippery roads, poor visibility, thunderstorms and temporary disruption.So, if you are planning a late-September getaway, keep your itinerary flexible, check the latest IMD forecast and local administration advisories before travelling, and avoid taking unnecessary risks.