Karnataka Yellow Alert Issued: IMD Warns Of Rain And Thunderstorms In Bengaluru, Other Dists In Next 72 Hours

The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert across Karnataka, warning of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in Bengaluru and several other districts over the next three days.

According to the latest forecast, thunderstorm activity is expected from April 20 to April 23 across Coastal Karnataka, North Interior Karnataka and South Interior Karnataka. The alert indicates a period of unstable weather, with short spells of rain accompanied by lightning and strong winds.

Bengaluru Weather

In Bengaluru and surrounding areas, skies are expected to remain mostly cloudy with a likelihood of evening or late-afternoon showers. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds may occur during this period, bringing brief relief from the ongoing heat.

Coastal districts such as Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada are likely to see cloud build-up after noon, followed by intense thunderstorms and strong winds by evening. Similar conditions are expected to continue for the next few days.

In the Malnad region, including Kodagu, Hassan, Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga, sudden weather changes are likely during evening hours. The IMD has indicated the possibility of lightning and isolated hailstorms, which could affect plantation crops.

North Interior Karnataka is also under alert, with districts such as Belagavi, Dharwad, Bagalkote, Vijayapura and Haveri expected to receive moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms. There is also a risk of hailstorms in isolated areas.

Even as rain activity is expected, heatwave conditions are likely to continue in parts of the state, particularly in coastal and Kalyana Karnataka regions. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain high, with brief relief during periods of rain.

A yellow alert indicates that conditions are favourable for sudden weather changes such as thunderstorms and lightning, and residents are advised to remain cautious, especially during evening hours.

The current weather pattern is being driven by unstable atmospheric conditions over the region, leading to a combination of heat and convective storm activity. While the alert is in place for the next three days, conditions may ease gradually after April 23.

Heatwave continues despite rain activity

Even as rainfall is expected in several regions, heatwave conditions are likely to persist, particularly in coastal areas and parts of Kalyana Karnataka.

Daytime temperatures may approach 45°C in some areas. Authorities have advised people, especially children and the elderly, to avoid outdoor exposure between 10 am and 5 pm. Staying hydrated and using protective measures such as umbrellas or head coverings has been recommended.

What is causing this sudden weather change?

The IMD has attributed the current conditions to a trough of low pressure extending from the Gulf of Mannar across Karnataka, along with a cyclonic circulation over Maharashtra and North Karnataka.

This combination has created unstable atmospheric conditions, increasing the likelihood of rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

Wind speeds are expected to reach 30 to 40 kmph in several areas, with the possibility of hailstorms in isolated districts. Residents have been advised to remain cautious during periods of strong winds and lightning.

The current pattern brings together extreme heat and sudden storm activity, making it important for people across the state to stay updated and take necessary precautions.