Karnataka Weather Alert: Red Alert Issued In These Districts, Check Forecast

After arriving on time in South India, the southwest monsoon went on a sudden hiatus, leaving the region longing for rain. However, the wait is over as an uptick in rainfall activity is expected this week, promising a soaking spell over the coming days.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributes the anticipated deluge to a low-pressure trough stretching from South Maharashtra to the Kerala coast. This meteorological setup is set to unleash widespread showers across South India, with the heaviest downpours expected to lash the coastal districts.

Residents in Kerala-Mahe, Coastal and South Interior Karnataka including Bengaluru, and Tamil Nadu should brace for isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall (64.5-204.4 mm) from Friday to Tuesday, June 21-25. Meanwhile, North Interior Karnataka will experience heavy rains (64.5-115.5 mm) from Saturday to Tuesday, June 22-25, Puducherry and Karaikal from Sunday to Tuesday, June 23-25, and Lakshadweep this weekend, June 22-23.

As the monsoon's intensity escalates, the Karnataka and Malabar coasts are poised for a weather showdown with extremely heavy rains (over 200 mm) expected on Sunday, June 23.

Alongside the torrential rains, the entire region will experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph. This volatile combination heightens the risk of localized flooding, landslides, and infrastructural damage.

Red Alert Issued

Given the expected inclement weather, the IMD has issued red alert, meaning (Take Action)' for coastal Karnataka and Kerala from June 21-25, and for the rest of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu from June 22-25. Authorities and residents in these areas are urged to take precautionary measures to safeguard lives and property.

Monsoon's Performance So Far

Despite the monsoon's shaky start, rain gauges tell a varied story. Since June 1, Kerala, with 223.4 mm of rainfall, recorded a shortfall of 49%. However, Tamil Nadu has a major surplus of 143.6%, receiving 86.5 mm of rain, and Karnataka has experienced a slight surplus, with 133.6 mm of rainfall marking a 5% increase above the norm.

Given the IMD's prediction of above-normal rains for the monsoon season across South India, communities in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and surrounding regions must brace themselves for the full force of nature's fury.