The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for nine Karnataka districts amid forecasts of heavy rain and thunderstorms
Bengaluru: The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for nine districts of Karnataka for May 28, warning of heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds across several parts of the state.
According to weather officials, pre-monsoon rainfall activity has intensified significantly due to strengthening moisture flow from the Arabian Sea and changing atmospheric conditions ahead of the southwest monsoon.
The latest forecast issued by the Bengaluru Meteorological Centre stated that moderate to heavy rainfall is likely to continue across coastal Karnataka, north interior Karnataka, south interior Karnataka, and Bengaluru over the next few days.
Orange Alert Issued for Nine Karnataka Districts
The orange alert has been issued for:
- Bidar
- Kalaburagi
- Vijayapura
- Yadgir
- Raichur
- Koppal
- Tumakuru
- Chikkaballapur
- Kolar
Authorities warned that these districts could witness intense rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning activity, and gusty winds during the forecast period.
Most other districts in Karnataka are also expected to receive moderate rainfall on Wednesday as pre-monsoon conditions remain active across the state.
“Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms is likely in several districts due to strengthening weather systems,” meteorological officials stated.
The alert has prompted disaster management authorities to remain on standby in vulnerable regions.
Strong Winds and Thunderstorms Likely Till May 31
According to the Bengaluru Meteorological Centre, thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds are expected to continue in multiple parts of Karnataka until May 31.
Officials stated that some places in North Interior Karnataka could experience wind speeds of up to 50–60 kmph until May 29.
Similar weather conditions are expected to prevail across South Interior Karnataka through May 28.
The department further indicated that although wind intensity may slightly reduce after May 29, thunderstorms with wind speeds of 40–50 kmph are still likely in isolated areas of both North Interior Karnataka and South Interior Karnataka till May 31.
“Thunderstorms with lightning activity are likely at isolated places over Coastal Karnataka from May 27 to May 31,” weather officials said.
Pre Monsoon Activity Intensifies Across Karnataka
Karnataka has been witnessing widespread pre-monsoon showers over the past several days, leading to waterlogging, traffic disruption, tree falls, and damage in multiple districts, including Bengaluru.
Meteorologists stated that the current rainfall pattern is linked to favourable moisture conditions building ahead of the southwest monsoon season.
Disaster management authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorms, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, and stay away from vulnerable structures and waterlogged areas.
The state administration is expected to continue monitoring the evolving weather situation closely over the coming days.
