Karnataka Weather Alert: IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Bengaluru With More Rain Ahead

Bengaluru experienced heavy rainfall on Monday evening, leading to severe waterlogging and traffic disruptions across several parts of the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Bengaluru and other regions in Karnataka, warning of continued showers until Thursday. Coastal Karnataka is also expected to witness isolated heavy rain until Sunday, keeping the state on high alert for weather-related disruptions.

According to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), the intense downpour lasted nearly an hour, with Vidyapeeta recording 34.5 mm of rainfall, while Kengeri and Rajarajeshwarinagar received 33 mm and 32 mm respectively. Other areas across the city reported rainfall between 10 mm and 30 mm. The downpour caused flooding in low-lying areas, long traffic jams and widespread inconvenience to commuters returning home in the evening rush hour.

This year's southwest monsoon has been slightly above normal in Karnataka. From June 1 to September, the state received 730 mm of rainfall, which is five per cent higher than the seasonal average of 696 mm. However, rainfall patterns have varied significantly across regions. North Interior Karnataka recorded a 19 per cent surplus with 406 mm against the usual 341 mm, while the coastal districts received 2,906 mm compared to the average 2,811 mm, showing a three per cent increase. The Malnad region, in contrast, recorded a deficit of six per cent with 1,302 mm of rain against its normal 1,385 mm. Seven districts reported excess rainfall of more than 20 per cent, while 23 districts recorded normal rainfall. Chamarajanagar in southern Karnataka reported a deficit during this period, highlighting the uneven spread of precipitation across the state.

The IMD has predicted that South Interior Karnataka, including Bengaluru, will continue to receive heavy rainfall on Wednesday, with the wet spell extending over the week. Coastal districts are expected to face isolated heavy showers until Sunday, which is in line with the overall monsoon trend this season.

With Bengaluru's urban infrastructure already struggling under the pressure of intense rainfall, officials have warned of possible flooding, traffic congestion and disruptions in low-lying neighbourhoods if the heavy showers continue. Authorities have advised residents to stay alert, monitor weather advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel during peak downpour hours. The current weather conditions underline the importance of preparedness in managing the challenges posed by heavy monsoon rains across Karnataka.