Karnataka Weather Alert: 2-Day Rain Forecast For Bengaluru, Shivamogga Under IMD's Yellow Warning

Bengaluru, along with various districts in Karnataka, is bracing for intense rainfall in the coming days, attributed to the remnants of Cyclone Fengal. The cyclone has now transformed into a low-pressure zone over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, but its aftermath continues to affect weather patterns, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This shift began affecting Bengaluru from Sunday evening, causing considerable disruptions across the city.

The persistent rainfall has led to significant traffic jams and waterlogging in numerous parts of Bengaluru. Notably, areas like the airport road flyover near Sahakar Nagar have seen substantial delays, affecting countless commuters. Bengaluru City Traffic Police have advised drivers to proceed with caution due to the slow-moving traffic. Moreover, the inundation has troubled residents in localities such as Panathur underbridge, Outer Ring Road, Bannerghatta Road, and Kanakapura Road, hindering daily life and affecting businesses and educational institutions.

In light of the adverse weather conditions, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for Bengaluru and the districts of Hassan, Mandya, and Ramanagara, signaling moderate to heavy rain. CS Patil, director of the IMD Bengaluru division, indicated that while moderate rainfall is anticipated for Tuesday, the weather is expected to clear up by Wednesday. Additionally, an orange alert has been sounded for Udupi, Chikmagaluru, and Chikkaballapura districts, forecasting rain volumes of 11 to 20 cm within 24 hours, with surrounding regions also preparing for heavy to very heavy downpours.

The southern coast of Karnataka is bracing for squally weather, with wind speeds predicted to range between 35-45 km/h, peaking at 55 km/h, over the next few days. This has led to a caution for fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea until the weather stabilizes. Besides the coastal areas, inland districts are not spared. Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, and Kolar districts have declared holidays for educational institutions on December 3 in anticipation of the heavy rains and thunderstorms. The district administrations have taken these precautions to ensure the safety of students and staff amidst the ongoing severe weather conditions.
Precautionary Measures and School Closures

In response to the severe weather warnings, several districts have preemptively closed schools and colleges. Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja justified the closures citing the existing and forecasted heavy rainfall. Similarly, Dakshina Kannada and Kolar districts have followed suit, with measures recommended by health departments to safeguard against the adverse weather. Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts have also announced closures for anganwadis, schools, and pre-university colleges, although degree colleges in Chamarajanagar will remain open for examinations. Udupi district, under orange alert, has cancelled classes in schools and colleges due to the expected heavy rain and strong winds.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also provided a glimpse into the upcoming winter, predicting milder conditions with fewer cold wave days expected between December and January. This forecast comes as a slight relief amidst the current weather challenges faced by Karnataka and its capital, Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru and parts of Karnataka are experiencing a challenging period due to the effects of Cyclone Fengal. With the IMD issuing multiple alerts and the local authorities taking decisive action, the region is on high alert to mitigate the impact of the heavy rains. As the weather is anticipated to improve post-Wednesday, residents and officials alike are hopeful for a return to normalcy.