Bengaluru Rains: Hailstorm Hits West Bengaluru, Light Showers in Other Parts; More Rain Likely Till 11 PM

Heavy rains, accompanied by thunderstorms, have occurred in several parts of the city in Bengaluru, on Monday. The Meteorological Department has issued warnings of further rainfall in the coming days, urging the public to stay cautious.

Around 5 PM, areas in West Bengaluru, including Ullal, BEL, Vidyaranyapura, and Kodigehalli, were hit by a sharp spell of intense rain, while Central and East Bengaluru experienced only light showers.

Social media was quick to light up with visuals of the hailstorm, with residents expressing surprise and excitement. A user described the hailstones as "scattered around the road like islands in the sea," while another called it their "first time experiencing a hailstorm - and it was great."

Weather enthusiast @Vanshweather noted that hail was recorded in Ullal, a phenomenon that's unusual given the average cloud top temperatures observed at the time. The sudden burst of rain was accompanied by strong winds, especially around BEL and Vidyaranyapura, where locals reported umbrellas flipping and streets quickly getting soaked.

Though the western pockets of the city bore the brunt of the rain, central and eastern parts remained relatively calmer, seeing only light drizzles and passing clouds. The rain intensity began to ease post 6 PM, with showers subsiding in most affected areas.

According to weather watchers, isolated thunderstorms (TS) are expected to continue across Bengaluru till around 11 PM tonight. The spell comes as a much-needed relief from the dry and dusty conditions the city has experienced over the past few weeks.

IMD Warning: There is a possibility of heavy rain in parts of the state over the next 3 hours. This could lead to temporary power outages, traffic jams, and increased chances of trees falling. It is advised to stay indoors if possible, close windows and doors, and avoid taking shelter under trees. The department has also recommended unplugging electrical appliances in the house.

While the rain cooled the air and brought down the temperature, citizens are advised to stay cautious as water-logged roads and slippery surfaces could pose a hazard, especially in low-lying areas.