Bengaluru Rain: Torrential Showers Sweep Garden City As Monsoon Phase Shifts To Moderate

Bengaluru experienced a deluge of heavy rainfall this evening, particularly impacting South and East Bengaluru, where the rain fell "like cats and dogs." The intense downpour resulted in widespread waterlogging due to blockages in storm drains.

Vijay, a weather enthusiast from the popular blog 'Namma Karnataka Weather,' noted that tonight's rains were characterized by rain shaft activity rather than the typical thunderstorm rains. This indicates a significant shift in the monsoon phase, moving from Peak to Moderate.

He further said that the current wind speed is recorded at 25 knots at 850 hPa, with the air temperature-dew point difference narrowing to just 1°C. This shift marks a significant transition in the monsoon phase for Bengaluru, which is moving from a Peak phase into a Moderate phase.

Earlier predictions had highlighted that when the monsoon transitions from Peak or Mild to Moderate, widespread rainfall activity often follows. Today's weather patterns align with this forecast, as wind speeds decreased from over 30 knots to around 25 knots. This transition frequently results in hybrid rainfall- a combination of thunderstorm activity and rain shaft patterns.

He further noted that a similar pattern was observed on July 12, when the monsoon also navigated into a moderate phase. The sounding chart for today shows an optimal alignment for rain cloud formation, providing excellent conditions for generating rainfall. The narrow but ideal alignment of rain clouds is indicative of significant rainfall potential.

Landslide Traps Vehicles on NH75, Traffic Halts as Heavy Rains Continue

Meanwhile, heavy rains have caused severe disruptions in Hassan district, including multiple hill collapses. National Highway 75 (NH75), connecting Bangalore and Mangalore, has been particularly affected.

A major landslide near Doddataplu in Sakaleshpur taluk buried several vehicles, including an overturned container truck, with one driver trapped inside. Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda's visited the affected site to assess the damage. However, the situation deteriorated by evening as continued heavy rainfall triggered another major collapse. This new landslide has once again halted traffic on the Shiradi Ghat road, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded.

Authorities are working tirelessly to clear the debris and rescue those affected, but the ongoing rain is complicating their efforts. Frequent landslides are presenting significant challenges to maintaining traffic flow on this crucial highway. Residents and travelers are advised to avoid the area and stay informed about the latest updates.

Schools in Uttar Kannada closed

Due to heavy rainfall in Uttar Kannada district, water is being released from five of its six reservoirs. As a result, a holiday has been declared for schools and colleges in five of the twelve taluks.

The Kadra Dam has the highest outflow, with 47,999 cusecs being released compared to an inflow of 45,142 cusecs. Fortunately, no major landslides have been reported in the district over the past 24 hours.