Karnataka Weather Alert: Twin Weather Systems To Bring Cloudy Days, Scattered Showers Across the State

As Cyclone "Montha" continues to intensify over the Bay of Bengal, Karnataka will remain largely unaffected by the system. However, light to moderate rainfall and cloudy conditions are expected across parts of the state in the coming days.

The IMD said that Cyclone Montha, named by Thailand meaning "fragrant" or "beautiful flower," is currently centered over the Southwest and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal.

As of 5:30 am IST on October 27, it lay near latitude 12.2°N and longitude 85.3°E, about 560 km east-southeast of Chennai and 620 km south-southeast of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh).

The storm is moving northwestwards at a speed of 15 kmph and is expected to intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm by October 28 morning, likely to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada by Tuesday evening or night with wind speeds of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph.

At the time of landfall, Cyclone Montha is expected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm, with sustained wind speeds of 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph. The IMD has also cautioned about a storm surge of up to 1 metre above the astronomical tide, which could pose a serious threat to low-lying coastal areas.

IMD Bengaluru Forecast: Light to Moderate Rain for Karnataka

According to the IMD Bengaluru center, the next seven days will bring scattered light to moderate rainfall across Karnataka, with no direct impact from Cyclone Montha.

Coastal, Malnad, and southern interior districts may see heavy rain with thunderstorms and gusty winds on Monday and Tuesday.

Northern interior districts, including Ballari, Davanagere, Chitradurga, Vijayanagara, and Tumakuru, may witness isolated thunderstorms today.

Bengaluru (Urban and Rural) and nearby districts such as Kolar, Ramanagara, Chikkaballapura, Mysuru, and Mandya could experience cloudy skies with light rain or drizzles.

The IMD has advised residents to stay alert for light rain, thunder, and gusty winds, especially in the coastal and hilly regions, while maintaining general safety during cloudy and windy conditions.

Meanwhile, Weather blogger Vijay, who runs the X handle "Namma Karnataka Weather," noted that the cyclone's path will stay well away from Karnataka, producing no major rainfall or storm effect across the state.

"The depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into Cyclone Montha and will move toward Andhra Pradesh between Machilipatnam and Vizag," Vijay said.

"This circulation won't have any real impact on Karnataka. From this afternoon, we may just see hazy skies due to high clouds over eastern districts - Kolar, Bengaluru, Chikkaballapura, Ballari, Raichur, Yadgir, and Bidar - and possibly some isolated drizzles."

He further added that Karnataka usually experiences notable weather only when a cyclonic system crosses north Tamil Nadu or Andhra Pradesh and drifts inland, which is not the case with Montha.

Depression Over Arabian Sea Also Under Watch

In addition to Cyclone Montha, IMD is tracking a depression over the Eastcentral Arabian Sea, located around 720 km west-southwest of Mumbai and 940 km west-northwest of Mangaluru. This system is moving northeastwards at around 20 kmph, but IMD says it will not affect Karnataka's weather directly.

While coastal and hilly regions of Karnataka may experience occasional heavy showers, the rest of the state is likely to see mild, cloudy, and humid conditions through the week.

Bengaluru Weather Forecast:

While the worst impact will be felt along the Andhra Pradesh coast, the cyclone's outer circulation is likely to influence weather conditions inland. Bengaluru and several parts of Karnataka may experience light to moderate rainfall and cloudy skies over the next 12 hours as a result of the system's distant effects.

In Bengaluru, the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 29°C, while the minimum may drop to 21°C. This pattern of occasional showers and cloudy conditions is expected to continue through the week, prompting the IMD to issue a yellow alert for several districts in Karnataka on October 28.