Start with Official Weather Forecasts
Your first step before any monsoon journey should be to consult the official source for weather in India: the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD's official mobile app, 'Mausam', is an essential tool for any traveller. Available for both Android
and iPhone, it provides real-time weather updates, forecasts for the next seven days, and, crucially, colour-coded alerts (Red, Orange, Yellow) for severe weather events. These alerts can help you understand the potential impact of rainfall, thunderstorms, and cyclones in your specific destination and along your travel path, allowing you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed, delay, or change your plans. The app delivers information for hundreds of cities, updated multiple times a day, making it a reliable primary source for weather intelligence.
Use Specialised Apps for Specific Threats
Beyond general weather, specific monsoon hazards have their own dedicated alert systems. For lightning, which is a significant risk during thunderstorms, the government has developed the 'Damini' app. It provides alerts when lightning is likely to occur within a 20-40 km radius, giving you crucial time to seek shelter. Another useful, though less direct, government app is 'Meghdoot', which is aimed at farmers but provides location-specific weather information that can be valuable for any rural traveller. For a non-governmental perspective, apps like Skymet Weather offer another reliable, India-focused forecast, often analysing data from thousands of automatic weather stations across the country. Using a combination of these apps provides a more comprehensive picture of the various weather risks you might face.
Assess Landslide Risk on Your Route
For those travelling in hilly or mountainous regions like the Himalayas and Western Ghats, checking for landslide risk is non-negotiable. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) provides crucial information through its Bhuvan geo-portal, which includes landslide hazard zonation maps and real-time updates. While the full platform is complex, it is a key resource for disaster management agencies and its data often informs public warnings. For travellers, a more direct way to check route viability is to monitor information from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). NHAI has been working to integrate real-time data on road conditions, including landslide-prone stretches and blockages, into popular mapping services. Before you leave, check the NHAI website or social media feeds from local traffic police for any reported incidents or closures on your intended highway.
Don’t Underestimate Local Knowledge
Technology is a powerful tool, but it cannot replace on-the-ground, real-time information. Local residents, taxi drivers, and hotel staff possess invaluable knowledge about which roads are safe, which areas are prone to flooding after a downpour, and which streams are likely to swell dangerously. When you arrive in a monsoon-affected area, make it a point to speak with locals before heading out on a long drive or a trek. They can often provide a more nuanced and immediate picture of the situation than an app can. They will know about the small, unpublicised road blockages or the specific stretches of road that become treacherous when wet. This local intelligence should be used alongside your digital tools to build the most complete picture of potential risks.
Learn to Read the Physical Warning Signs
Finally, it is vital to be aware of your immediate surroundings and know the physical warning signs of an impending landslide or flash flood. If you are near a stream or river, be alert for a sudden increase or decrease in water flow or a change in the water from clear to muddy. Listen for faint rumbling sounds that may get louder, as this can indicate approaching debris flow. On hillsides, look for new cracks in the soil, leaning trees, utility poles, or fences, and soil moving away from foundations. These are all urgent red flags indicating that the ground is unstable. If you notice any of these signs, leave the area immediately. Driving cautiously and avoiding travel at night, especially in heavy rain, is also a critical safety measure.
