Bengaluru: Overnight rainfall brought relief from the recent hot and humid conditions in Bengaluru, with the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) recording 94.2 mm of rain in the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on September 20.
The rainfall brought down temperatures across the city after Bengaluru had experienced relatively warm conditions for several days. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, HAL Airport recorded 66 mm, while Bengaluru city recorded 15.9 mm of rainfall during the same period.
The showers were reported across several parts of the city, providing relief from the heat but also raising concerns over waterlogging and traffic disruption in vulnerable areas.
KIA records highest rainfall
The rainfall recorded at KIA was significantly higher than the figure recorded at the Bengaluru city observatory. The airport received 94.2 mm of rain, while HAL Airport recorded 66 mm during the 24-hour observation period.
The widespread rainfall followed a spell of hot and humid weather in Bengaluru, with temperatures remaining above 30°C for much of the preceding period.
The IMD’s Bengaluru city data showed a minimum temperature of 20.4°C and maximum temperature of 28.3°C on September 20, with 16 mm of rainfall recorded during its standard 24-hour observation period.
The variation between rainfall figures at different locations reflects the uneven nature of rainfall across Bengaluru. While some parts of the city received moderate showers, certain areas recorded substantially higher amounts.
Rain brings relief from warm weather
The rainfall has brought a noticeable change in Bengaluru’s weather conditions. Residents had been experiencing hot and humid weather for nearly two weeks, with daytime temperatures frequently remaining above 30°C.
The overnight showers lowered temperatures and brought cooler conditions to the city on Sunday morning.
The IMD forecast indicated that Bengaluru would continue to experience generally cloudy skies, with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers. The weather department also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning.
For September 21, the IMD forecast a minimum temperature of around 21°C and a maximum of 30°C in Bengaluru, with generally cloudy skies and one or two spells of rain or thundershowers.
Yellow alert issued amid widespread rainfall
The rainfall in Bengaluru comes as the IMD expects widespread rain across Karnataka.
IMD officials said widespread rainfall was likely across the State until September 24. Several districts, including Bengaluru, Bengaluru South, Kolar and Chikkaballapur, were forecast to receive heavy rainfall, with a yellow alert issued for the affected areas.
The weather department also forecast gusty winds of around 30-40 kmph along with light to moderate rain and thundershowers in Bengaluru.
The IMD’s Bengaluru forecast showed that rain or thundershowers could continue through September 22, with strong gusty winds expected on that day. Light rain was forecast for the following days.
Bengaluru may see more showers
The current weather pattern suggests that Bengaluru could continue to receive intermittent rainfall over the coming days.
According to the IMD’s city forecast, September 22 could see rain or thundershowers accompanied by strong gusty winds. Generally cloudy skies and light rain were forecast for September 23 to 26.
The continued rainfall is likely to keep temperatures relatively moderate compared with the warmer conditions witnessed earlier in the month.
The forecast maximum temperature is expected to remain around 30-31°C over the next several days, while minimum temperatures could stay close to 21°C.
Rainfall may bring traffic and waterlogging concerns
While the showers have brought relief from the heat, heavy spells of rain can create temporary disruptions in Bengaluru.
The city has several stretches that are vulnerable to waterlogging during intense rainfall. Earlier heavy showers this month had resulted in waterlogged roads and traffic congestion in several parts of the city. The India Meteorological Department had also forecast rain accompanied by gusty winds across Bengaluru and neighbouring districts.
Motorists and pedestrians may therefore need to exercise caution during periods of intense rain, particularly around low-lying roads, underpasses and stretches prone to flooding.
Weather outlook for Bengaluru
The IMD’s latest city forecast indicates that Bengaluru will remain largely cloudy with intermittent rainfall over the next few days.
The rainfall is expected to keep temperatures lower than the levels recorded during the recent warm spell. However, thunderstorms and gusty winds could accompany some spells of rain.
With KIA recording 94.2 mm and HAL recording 66 mm in the latest 24-hour period, the rainfall has once again highlighted the variation in precipitation across different parts of Bengaluru.
For residents, the showers have provided a welcome break from the recent heat, while the possibility of further rain means civic agencies and commuters will have to remain alert to waterlogging, traffic disruption and weather-related hazards.