Karnataka Yellow Alert: Bengaluru to Get 3 Days of Rain From April 29 as IMD Warns of Thunderstorms

Karnataka is moving into an active pre-monsoon phase, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds across 15 districts, including Bengaluru. The forecast, valid from April 26 to April 30, 2026, signals a gradual build-up in weather activity, with the most intense phase expected towards the end of the month.

According to IMD, the current spell is being driven by a trough or wind discontinuity extending from North Interior Karnataka to the Comorin region, along with an anti-cyclonic circulation over interior Maharashtra. Together, these systems are creating instability in the atmosphere, setting the stage for thunderstorms across large parts of the state.

15 Districts Under Watch in Initial Phase

The first phase of rainfall will remain limited but clearly defined. IMD has identified 15 districts that are likely to receive light rain and thunderstorms on April 27.

The coastal belt, including Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada, is expected to see scattered activity. In North Interior Karnataka, districts such as Belagavi, Dharwad, Haveri, Gadag, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur and Koppal are under watch. From the Malnad region, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan and Kodagu are also likely to receive rainfall.

Rainfall during this phase will remain isolated, occurring at one or two places within each district, but accompanied by lightning and gusty winds.

From April 28, Rain Spread Begins to Widen

A noticeable shift is expected from April 28 as rainfall begins to expand both in coverage and intensity. Coastal Karnataka is likely to continue with light rain, but North Interior districts may start seeing light to moderate showers along with stronger winds.

The bigger change will be visible across South Interior Karnataka, where rainfall spreads beyond the initially listed districts. Instead of isolated pockets, more areas are expected to receive rain, indicating the transition into a broader weather system.

April 29 and 30 to See Peak Thunderstorm Activity

The most active phase of this weather system is expected on April 29 and 30. During this period, thunderstorms are likely to become more widespread and impactful across Karnataka.

North Interior Karnataka may see rain extending to additional districts, including Bidar, further increasing coverage. South Interior Karnataka is expected to witness rainfall at multiple places across most districts, making it the most affected region during the peak phase.

Wind speeds are likely to increase significantly during this time, reaching up to 40 to 50 kmph. These gusty winds, combined with thunderstorms, may lead to short-duration disruptions in several areas.

Heat to Persist Despite Rain

Even with rain activity picking up, there will be no major drop in temperatures across the state. Districts such as Kalaburagi, Bidar and Raichur have already recorded temperatures around 41 degrees Celsius, and similar conditions are expected to continue.

Coastal regions are likely to remain hot and humid, especially on April 26, before rainfall brings slight and temporary relief.

Bengaluru Weather: Rain After Brief Clear Spell

In Bengaluru, the impact of this system will be slightly delayed compared to other regions.

April 27 and 28 are expected to remain mostly clear, although skies may turn partly cloudy by the afternoon of April 28. From April 29 onwards, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely, accompanied by gusty winds of around 30 to 40 kmph.

This pattern is expected to continue through April 30 and may extend into May 1.

Maximum temperatures in Bengaluru are likely to remain between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures may hover between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius across urban and rural areas.