Karnataka is on a weather watch. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert as heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to lash Bengaluru and 12 other districts in the coming days. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures.
What the Forecast Says
- The IMD and Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) forecast moderate to heavy rain with thunderstorms and gusty winds (30–40 km/h) in Bengaluru (both urban and rural) and nearby districts such as Chikkaballapura, Kolar, Ramanagara, Tumakuru, Mandya, Mysuru, Hassan, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, and Udupi.
- Coastal, Malnad, and southern interior areas are especially vulnerable to isolated heavy showers.
- The alert spans multiple days, with rain expected to persist through October 11–12 before conditions gradually ease.
- In south interior Karnataka, the IMD has flagged “Heavy Rain / Thunderstorm & Lightning” warnings for October 9–10.
- Sub-division wise alerts from the Met Centre Bengaluru show no warnings for North Interior Karnataka, but heavy rain warnings for South Interior and Coastal zones.
Districts Under Alert & Possible Impacts
Districts under yellow alert include:
- Bengaluru Urban & Rural
- Chikkaballapura
- Kolar
- Ramanagara
- Tumakuru
- Mandya
- Mysuru
- Hassan
- Kodagu
- Chikkamagaluru
- Uttara Kannada
- Dakshina Kannada
- Udupi
Potential impacts of this spell of rain:
- Waterlogging & flooding in low-lying areas
- Traffic disruptions, road closures due to flooding or fallen trees
- Reduced visibility & slippery roads creating hazards for drivers
- Power outages from storm-related damage to lines
- Landslide risk in hilly and forested areas
- Disruption to public transport, schools & daily routines
Precautionary Advice for Residents
- Avoid venturing into low-lying or flood-prone areas during heavy showers.
- Monitor local news, weather apps and official alerts continuously.
- Drive cautiously — slow down on wet roads, maintain distance, avoid water-logged stretches.
- Disconnect or protect electrical appliances during thunderstorms to prevent damage.
- Avoid standing under trees or near unstable structures during strong winds.
- Secure loose items like signage, tarpaulins, or roof structures.
- Stay indoors if possible, especially during peak rain periods.
