As summer temperatures peak, Karnataka is set to witness an intensifying pre-monsoon spell, with the weather department issuing rain alerts across large parts of the state over the next several days. From
coastal Karnataka to Malnad, north interior and south interior districts, including Bengaluru, rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty conditions are expected to bring relief from the heat, while also raising concerns over lightning, waterlogging and localised disruptions.
A yellow alert has been issued across multiple districts in phases through May 1, with forecasters indicating rainfall activity could strengthen further from April 29 onwards.
Four-Day Rain Alert For Bengaluru Amid Heat Relief
Bengaluru is among the regions under watch, with the Meteorological Department forecasting good rainfall over four days beginning today.
A yellow alert has been issued for Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru Rural, with light showers already reported in parts of the city, including Majestic and Corporation areas. Officials say the rainfall is likely to bring respite from scorching temperatures, though residents have been advised to remain cautious as thunderstorms and lightning are also possible.
Rain Alerts Spread Across Karnataka
According to a report in Asia Net News, rainfall is expected in a wide spread of districts, including north Karnataka districts such as:
- Bidar
- Kalaburagi
- Vijayapura
- Belagavi
- Yadgir
- Raichur
- Bagalkote
- Koppal
- Dharwad
- Gadag
- Ballari
- Vijayanagara
Rain is also forecast in:
- Haveri
- Davanagere
- Shivamogga
- Chitradurga
- Udupi and Dakshina Kannada
- Chikkamagaluru Hassan
- Tumakuru
- Kodagu
- Mysuru Mandya
- Chamarajanagar
- Ramanagara
- Chikkaballapur
- Kolar
Officials say most of these districts could witness thunderstorms, evening showers and increasing rainfall activity as the pre-monsoon strengthens.
Coastal Karnataka To See Humid Conditions, Thunderstorms
In coastal districts including Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada, along with neighbouring Kasaragod, humid and cloudy weather is expected during the day, with thunderstorms possible in the evenings.
Border regions of Uttara Kannada, Belagavi, Dharwad and lower ghat areas of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada may witness thunder activity, while scattered rainfall is expected elsewhere due to wind pressure and high temperatures.
Meteorologists say rainfall intensity in coastal Karnataka could rise from April 29.
Malnad And Interior Karnataka Likely To See Stronger Rainfall
In the Malnad belt, parts of Kodagu may receive regular showers accompanied by thunder, while border regions of Hassan, Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga may experience thunderstorms.
Scattered rain is also expected elsewhere in the region, with rainfall forecast to intensify from April 29.
In north interior Karnataka, districts such as Belagavi, Dharwad, Haveri and Ballari may see thunderstorms during evening and night hours. Other districts may also receive rainfall if wind pressure strengthens.
Most south interior districts are expected to remain hot initially, though thunderstorm activity is likely to pick up from April 29.
Yellow Alerts Issued In Phases Till May 1
The weather department has announced staggered yellow alerts across the state:
On April 29, a yellow alert has been issued for 25 districts, including Bengaluru. Normal rainfall is expected in Bidar, Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, Belagavi and Uttara Kannada, among others. On April 30, a yellow alert remains in place for 24 districts, with rain expected in Bidar, Belagavi, Bagalkote, Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada.
On May 1, 19 districts remain under yellow alert, with continued rainfall likely in:
- Raichur
- Koppal
- Vijayanagara
- Davanagere
- Chitradurga
- Shivamogga
- Chikkamagaluru
- Hassan
- Kodagu
- Mysuru
- Mandya
- And adjoining districts
Officials say rainfall may intensify in many districts into early May, signalling a stronger pre-monsoon phase.
Hassan Records Highest Rainfall In 32 Hours
Recent rainfall data underlines the growing impact of the pre-monsoon spell. In the past 32 hours, Hassan recorded the highest rainfall at 61.5 mm. Other districts recorded:
- 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
- Kalaburagi — 14.5 mm
Officials say the spread of rainfall across regions reflects the strengthening pre-monsoon pattern.
Relief From Heat, But Concerns Over Thunderstorms And Waterlogging
While the rain has brought welcome relief from the heat, authorities have also flagged possible risks from thunderstorms, lightning and waterlogging.
Farmers and those working in open fields have been advised not to remain outdoors during thunder activity.
Heavy rain could also lead to water accumulation in low-lying areas, prompting officials to advise extra caution for drivers and pedestrians, particularly in urban centres.
Karnataka Moves Closer To Full Monsoon Conditions
With rain activity forecast to strengthen further, meteorologists say Karnataka is moving steadily towards broader monsoon conditions.
For now, the immediate focus remains on the next few days, as pre-monsoon showers are expected to intensify across much of the state, offering relief from heat while ushering in a more unsettled weather phase.
