Karnataka Red Alert Issued: Flood Warning in 6 Districts; Bengaluru Set for Wet, Windy Days Ahead

Karnataka Weather Alert: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for 10 districts in Karnataka on May 20, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. The districts under orange alert include Belagavi, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Shivamogga, Uttara Kannada, Haveri, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Dakshina Kannada, and Kodagu. An orange alert indicates the possibility of intense weather conditions that could lead to localised flooding, traffic disruptions, and damage to infrastructure.

Meanwhile, a yellow alert has been issued for the rest of the districts across Karnataka, including Bengaluru. The yellow alert suggests that residents should be aware of changing weather conditions, as moderate rainfall and isolated thunderstorms are expected.

Red Alert In 6 Districts On May 21

In a latest bulletin, the IMD has issued a red alert for six districts in Karnataka-Belagavi, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, and Dakshina Kannada for May 21, warning of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204.5 mm within 24 hours.

Such intense rainfall poses a serious threat to life and property, with the likelihood of widespread flooding, disruption of essential services, and possible evacuation orders.

An orange alert has also been sounded for Hassan, Haveri, Kodagu, and Dharwad districts, while the rest of Karnataka, including Bengaluru, is under a yellow alert.

The alert comes as the southwest monsoon advanced further on May 19, covering more parts of the south Arabian Sea, Maldives and Comorin area, as well as portions of the south, central, and northeast Bay of Bengal. The monsoon's northern limit now extends from 5°N/60°E to 21°N/95°E. Meteorological conditions are favourable for continued monsoon progression over the next 2-3 days. Adding to the weather dynamics, an upper air cyclonic circulation is likely to form over the east-central Arabian Sea off the Karnataka coast around May 21, which could develop into a low-pressure area by May 22 and intensify as it moves northward.

Bengaluru Weather Forecast

After torrential rain brought Bengaluru to a standstill on May 19, the city experienced early morning showers and thunderstorms on May 20.

Weather blogger Vijay, who runs the X handle 'Namma Karnataka Weather,' noted that both the East and West coasts were "scoring," suggesting active rainfall patterns across the state. He added, "Possibility for rain in Bengaluru today as well. Note: Widespread rain expected in Karnataka today."

The IMD forecast for Bengaluru from May 21 to 23 indicates generally cloudy skies with moderate rain and thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds. Wind speeds may reach 40-50 kmph on May 21 and hover between 30-40 kmph on May 22 and 23.