Bengaluru Rains Intensify: Orange Alert Issued as Thunderstorms Sweep Karnataka, IMD Warns of Widespread Downpour Across 20+ Districts

NewsFlash Daily™

31 March

IMD issues Orange and Yellow Alerts across Karnataka as Bengaluru sees cloudy skies, strong winds, and statewide rain activity bringing relief from extreme heat

Bengaluru: After days of relentless heat, heavy rainfall over the past 48 hours has brought significant relief across Karnataka, including Bengaluru, but the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has now issued a fresh warning indicating that the weather situation could intensify further.

The city remains under cloudy skies, with intermittent showers expected throughout the day. Officials have cautioned residents to remain alert as changing weather patterns could trigger sudden thunderstorms and gusty winds.

“Rainfall activity is expected to continue across several districts, with alerts issued based on intensity and wind patterns,” the Meteorological Department stated.

Orange Alert Declared in Key Northern Districts

The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, and Dharwad, indicating the likelihood of heavy rainfall coupled with thunderstorms and strong winds. These districts are expected to witness intense weather activity, prompting authorities to stay on high alert.

The alert suggests potential disruptions, including waterlogging, traffic slowdowns, and localised damage due to strong winds. Residents in these areas are advised to take precautionary measures.

Yellow Alert Covers 17 Districts Amid Thunderstorm Warning

Meanwhile, a Yellow Alert has been declared for as many as 17 districts, forecasting moderate rainfall with thundershowers. These districts include:

Bidar, Bagalkot, Gadag, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Hassan, Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural, and Bengaluru Urban.

Weather experts indicate that these regions may experience intermittent rainfall accompanied by lightning and moderate wind speeds, creating fluctuating weather conditions throughout the day.

Strong Winds, Thunderstorms to Hit Coastal and Interior Karnataka

According to IMD projections, coastal districts like Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Uttara Kannada are likely to witness thunderstorms, while northern interior regions, including Belagavi, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Vijayapura, Kalaburagi, Bidar, Gadag, and Haveri, are also expected to be impacted.

In the southern interior belt, districts such as Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Kodagu, Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru Urban, Chikkaballapur, Kolar, Tumakuru, and Ramanagara may experience strong winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph, along with scattered rainfall.

However, IMD has clarified that some parts of the state may continue to remain dry, with uneven distribution of rainfall expected.

Weather Shift Signals Temporary Relief, But Caution Advised

The ongoing rainfall has significantly reduced temperatures across Karnataka, offering much-needed relief from the summer heat. However, authorities warn that rapid weather fluctuations, lightning, and gusty winds could pose risks, especially in vulnerable areas.

Residents are advised to stay updated with official weather bulletins and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall or thunderstorms.