Bengaluru is set to experience showers throughout the weekend, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert for the state, signaling warnings of thunderstorms and gusty winds. Across Karnataka, various districts have been placed under yellow alert, anticipating continued precipitation.
The IMD's warnings highlight the active weather systems influencing the region. Northeasterly winds are observed moving towards the South Andhra Pradesh coast, while northerly winds are passing through coastal Karnataka and Kerala. This confluence of wind patterns has established a wind discontinuity zone that stretches across Rayalaseema, Karnataka, and interior Tamil Nadu. These conditions are expected to bring thunderstorms with wind speeds potentially ranging between 40 and 50 kmph.
WIDESPREAD IMPACT
Districts under the yellow alert include a comprehensive list: Raichur, Yadgir, Koppal, Bagalkote, Gadag, Dharwad, Ballari, Haveri, Vijayanagar, Shivamogga, Davangere, Chitradurga, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Kodagu, Tumakuru, Mandya, Mysuru, Ramanagara, Chamarajanagar, Kolar, Bangalore Urban, Chikkaballapur, and Bangalore Rural.
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RAINFALL PATTERNS AND DEVIATIONS
Analysis of recent rainfall data reveals some notable regional variations. North Interior Karnataka has recorded a significant surplus, with rainfall exceeding the average by 19 percent, registering 406 mm against the usual 341 mm. Overall, seven districts, with six in the north, have seen rainfall exceeding their normal by 20 percent or more.
Conversely, the coastal and Malnad regions, typically known for higher rainfall figures, have shown more moderate deviations. Coastal districts experienced a 3 percent excess (2,906 mm against an average of 2,811 mm), while the Malnad districts registered a 6 percent deficit (1,302 mm against a normal of 1,385 mm). Twenty-three districts across the state have reported rainfall within normal parameters.
WEATHER-INDUCED DISRUPTIONS
The recent heavy downpours have not been without consequence. Bengaluru has experienced significant waterlogging, leading to traffic snarls and disruptions to daily routines. In some instances, waterlogged streets and reduced visibility have slowed commuters, prompting the Bengaluru traffic department to issue alerts. The intensity of rain has, at times, necessitated unconventional transport methods, with reports of tractors being used as lifesavers in flooded areas.
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TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS
The rainfall has also influenced temperature readings across Karnataka, though with regional disparities. While some areas like Belagavi, Haveri, and Chintamani saw a marked drop in temperatures, others, such as Karwar, recorded readings above normal. Cities like Bidar, Kalaburgi, and parts of Chikkamagaluru and Chitradurga registered below-normal temperatures. In contrast, Bengaluru has, at times, seen temperatures fluctuate, with the rain bringing welcome relief by lowering the mercury.
