Is June 2024 Bengaluru's Wettest Month Ever? IMD Issues Orange, Yellow Alert In Karnataka

June in Bengaluru this year is on track to surpass rainfall records dating back to 1867, having already received 203 mm by Sunday morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts moderate rainfall to persist until Thursday, potentially exceeding the highest June rainfall recorded in 1996 at 228.02 mm.

In early June, Bengaluru experienced its rainiest day on record with 111.11 mm of rainfall on June 2, breaking a 133-year-old record. This heavy rainfall was attributed to a cyclonic circulation over the northeast Bay of Bengal and a low-pressure trough near the Maharashtra-Kerala coasts. These weather systems are expected to intensify winds along the western coast in the coming days.

An IMD official informed reporters that coastal and south interior Karnataka are likely to witness widespread rainfall, with heavy downpours expected in several areas of north interior Karnataka as well.

The IMD has issued an orange alert for exceptionally heavy rainfall in districts including Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Shivamogga, and Kodagu until Thursday. Additionally, a yellow alert has been issued for Bidar, Kalaburagi, Belagavi, Dharwad, Haveri, Mysuru, and Chamarajanagar until Tuesday due to forecasts of isolated heavy rainfall in those areas.

Next week, Karnataka can expect thunderstorms and strong gusty winds across the region. Fishermen are advised to avoid venturing out to sea until Wednesday along the Karnataka coast due to predicted squally weather. Wind speeds are expected to range between 35-45 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 55 kmph during this period.

The IMD has warned residents and travelers to be prepared for the extreme weather conditions and take necessary precautions.