Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 29: With summer heat peaking across Karnataka, the southwest state's pre-monsoon activity has intensified, bringing relief as well as concern. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for 25 districts, including Dakshina Kannada (DK) and Udupi, forecasting widespread rain over the next five days.
In the last 32 hours alone, Hassan recorded a heavy 61.5 mm of rainfall, while showers were reported from several parts of the state, indicating the growing strength of the pre-monsoon system.
In the coastal belt, humid and cloudy weather conditions are expected in Kasargod, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts despite sunshine during the day. By evening, thunder showers are likely in the Uttara Kannada-Belagavi-Dharwad border areas and in the ghat foothill regions of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.
Due to wind pressure and high temperatures, scattered rain is also expected in the remaining parts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts. Forecasts indicate rainfall intensity in these districts will increase further from April 29.
In the Malnad region, Kodagu district is likely to receive normal evening thunder showers in some places, while coastal border regions of Hassan, Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga districts may also witness evening rain accompanied by thunder. Scattered rain is expected in the remaining areas too, with rainfall activity set to intensify further from April 29.
In north interior Karnataka, Belagavi, Dharwad, Haveri and Ballari districts are expected to receive thunder showers during evening and night hours, while other districts may also receive rain if wind pressure increases. Though heat and high temperatures are likely to continue in most south interior districts, thunder showers are forecast there as well from April 29.
On April 29, yellow alert has been issued for 25 districts. Bidar, Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, Belagavi and Uttara Kannada are likely to receive moderate rainfall, while yellow alert will continue in 25 districts including Bengaluru.
On April 30, yellow alert will remain in force for 24 districts. Moderate rain is expected in Bidar, Belagavi, Bagalkote, Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts.
On May 1, yellow alert will be in effect for 19 districts, with continued rainfall expected in Raichur, Koppal, Vijayanagara, Davanagere, Chitradurga, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Kodagu, Mysuru and Mandya among others.
During the last 32 hours, the highest rainfall was recorded in Hassan with 61.5 mm, followed by Yadgir 36 mm, Raichur 34 mm, Koppal 33.5 mm, Haveri 26 mm, Ballari 22 mm, Dakshina Kannada 21.5 mm, Tumakuru 21 mm, Vijayapura 18 mm, Chitradurga 15 mm and Kalaburagi 14.5 mm, showing the widespread reach of the pre-monsoon showers.
In Bengaluru, light rain was reported in several areas including Majestic and Corporation limits. A yellow alert has been issued for the city for the next four days, and residents have been advised to remain cautious.
The increasingly active pre-monsoon showers have brought relief from the harsh summer heat, but concerns over thunder and lightning remain. While the rain is expected to benefit farmers, the weather department has warned those working in fields and plantations not to remain in open spaces during thunderstorms.
Officials have also cautioned motorists and pedestrians in urban areas, as waterlogging is likely in low-lying areas during heavy showers. Overall, rainfall is expected to intensify across most districts by the beginning of May, indicating that Karnataka is steadily moving closer to the full monsoon season.