Karnataka Rains: Is There A Holiday For Schools On Monday, December 2?

As the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of heavy rains in Karnataka including Bengaluru, the city is gearing up for potential weather disruptions due to Cyclone Fengal. While schools and colleges have not officially declared holidays yet, the ongoing preparations suggest a cautious approach to public safety. It must be noted that during the previous spell of heavy rains that lasted for several days in Bengaluru, the Bengaluru Urban District Collector announced a holiday for schools and colleges.

BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath has instructed city officials to remain on duty on Sunday, despite it being a scheduled holiday. This directive comes in response to the predicted downpour over the next few days, fueled by a depression in the Bay of Bengal and the impact of Cyclone Fengal.

During a meeting on Saturday, Girinath emphasized the need for vigilance and readiness. Zonal officers and engineers have been asked to monitor rain-prone areas and take immediate action if necessary. Senior officials will oversee these efforts to ensure public safety.

BBMP on High Alert

To mitigate potential disruptions, BBMP control rooms across all zones will remain operational throughout the weekend. With strong winds also anticipated, 28 tree-cutting teams have been deployed to address fallen trees or branches promptly. In flood-prone areas, pumps and sandbags are on standby to manage waterlogging, and efforts are being made to ensure smooth drainage along roadsides.

Weather Forecast

The state meteorological department predicts four days of heavy rainfall beginning Saturday, with the heaviest impacts expected in Bengaluru Urban, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Bengaluru Rural, and Ramanagara districts. Neighboring districts such as Tumkur and Chamarajanagar may experience moderate rain and thunderstorms, while Coastal and North Interior Karnataka are likely to remain dry.

In Bengaluru, temperatures are expected to range between 18°C and 25°C, with light to moderate rain predicted on Saturday. Cyclone Fengal, located 250 km southeast of Chennai, is expected to make landfall between Chennai and Puducherry, contributing to rainfall in southern and coastal Karnataka over the weekend. A yellow alert has been issued for December 3, with heavy rainfall likely to persist until December 4.

Parents and students are advised to stay tuned for updates from local authorities regarding school closures. Given the weather predictions and safety measures in place, any decisions on holidays will likely be communicated promptly. For now, residents are encouraged to remain cautious and report any rain-related emergencies to the BBMP helpline.