Bengaluru: The city continues to reel under heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning on Friday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) maintaining a yellow alert for Bengaluru and surrounding regions. The unsettled weather, triggered by the aftereffects of Cyclone Shakthi, has led to waterlogging, power outages, and severe traffic disruptions across several parts of the city.
Rain and thunderstorms to continue till October 14
According to the IMD, the ongoing spell of rainfall is likely to persist over the next few days, with moderate to heavy showers expected to continue until Monday, 14 October. The department has forecast frequent thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and lightning during this period.
The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) has also confirmed that widespread rain will affect multiple districts of the state, with isolated heavy downpours likely in Malnad and South Interior Karnataka regions. Bengaluru will remain under yellow alert as the weather system continues to influence southern India.
Rainfall totals in certain parts of the city are expected to exceed 100 mm, according to early observations.
Waterlogging, traffic snarls, and power disruptions
The relentless downpour has significantly affected normal life in Bengaluru. Several low-lying areas, including Jakkuru, Herohalli, and Vidyaranyapura, reported severe waterlogging. Key arterial roads such as HSR Layout, Koramangala, and the Outer Ring Road corridor witnessed prolonged traffic jams, particularly during peak hours on Thursday evening.
Many neighbourhoods experienced intermittent power cuts and connectivity disruptions due to fallen trees and short circuits triggered by lightning.
Civic authorities have issued public advisories urging residents to avoid flood-prone areas, park vehicles on elevated ground, and remain alert for weather updates. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and emergency response teams are on standby to tackle flooding incidents and assist commuters.
Cool, humid weather with risk of strong winds
As per IMD data, Bengaluru’s weather on Friday is characterised by overcast skies, high humidity, and temperatures ranging between 19°C and 28°C. The persistent cloud cover is expected to keep the city’s daytime temperatures cool, while the damp atmosphere may be accompanied by gusty winds of up to 40 km/h.
Meteorologists have cautioned that the combination of saturated soil and high winds could result in tree falls and damage to weak structures, particularly in residential neighbourhoods with older buildings.
Residents are advised to carry umbrellas, avoid open spaces during lightning activity, and refrain from parking vehicles under trees.
Outlook for the coming days
The weather department predicts that heavy rainfall and thunderstorms will persist through the weekend, though the intensity may gradually reduce by Sunday. However, isolated thunderstorms and light rain may continue into next week as moisture from the cyclone system dissipates.
Daytime temperatures are expected to hover between 25°C and 28°C, while nights will remain relatively cool. Meteorologists expect a gradual improvement in weather conditions by early next week, though intermittent rain and cloudiness could persist beyond 14 October.
Conclusion
As Cyclone Shakthi’s aftereffects continue to influence Karnataka’s weather, Bengaluru remains under close watch for potential flooding and further disruptions. Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious, follow IMD updates, and report any emergency situations promptly.
The city’s wet spell may bring some relief from rising temperatures, but for now, Bengaluru’s battle with rain is far from over.