Karnataka Weather Alert: Light Rains Likely In Bengaluru In Next 24 Hours, Check Latest Forecast

Bengaluru awoke to cloudy skies in several areas on Friday morning, signaling the imminent end of a dry spell that has persisted for over four months. Residents are eagerly anticipating relief from the scorching heat and sizzling temperatures in the "Garden City," which have prompted the widespread use of air conditioners and coolers in households.

According to a recent weather forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several areas in Karnataka are expected to receive rainfall from Friday until Tuesday (April 19 - 23).

These areas include Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Belagavi, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru Urban, Chamarajanagar, Chikkaballapur, Chikkamagaluru, Chitradurga, Davanagere, Hassan, Kodagu, Kolar, Mandya, Mysuru, Ramanagara, Shivamogga, Tumakuru, Vijayanagara, Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Vijayapura, Yadgir, and Ballari districts.

IMD issues Yellow Alert

While the southern districts, particularly in Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Kodagu, and Shivamogga districts of South Interior Karnataka (SIK), could experience heavy rains today, the overall forecast for Karnataka has prompted the IMD to issue a yellow watch (meaning 'be updated') for all subdivisions on Friday. This alert will extend to North and South Interior Karnataka on Saturday, and to North Interior Karnataka on Sunday. The bulletin further stated that hot and humid conditions are likely to persist over Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts until April 19.

Additionally, the IMD mentioned the possibility of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds, with wind speeds reaching 30 to 40 kmph, at isolated places over Karnataka until April 21.

Bengaluru rains Forecast for the next 48 hours

In the forecast for Bengaluru city, the IMD predicted a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of light rain or thundershowers towards evening or night in the next 48 hours. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be around 37 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius, respectively. This weather pattern is influenced by a trough extending from Tamil Nadu to Telangana, which is likely to bring light to moderate rainfall across many parts of South Interior Karnataka from Friday to Saturday (April 19-20). Meanwhile, isolated thunderstorms and lightning are also possible.

While Bengaluru may not experience heavy rainfall, even a brief spell could help alleviate the state's water scarcity issues. The ongoing water shortages have forced many residents to purchase potable water at significantly higher prices.

Relief from high temperature?

These rains are also expected to provide some relief from the unusually high temperatures in Bengaluru, which have been persistently 3-4°C above normal. The IMD's forecasts suggest that the city will see 1-2 spells of rainfall or thundershowers today and tomorrow, bringing daytime highs down to around 35°C in most areas.

Even if the rain doesn't materialise as expected, the overcast skies and gusty winds will offer relief to Bengaluru commuters, particularly with the traffic congestion due to the temporary closure of key roads like Hebbal.