Bengaluru: The India Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rainfall accompanied by thunder across several parts of Karnataka on Friday, March 20, with weather alerts issued for as many as 27 districts.
According to officials, rain activity is expected to intensify by evening in many regions, although there are early indications that rainfall intensity may gradually decrease in the coming days due to changing wind patterns.
Coastal districts likely to receive showers
In coastal Karnataka, districts such as Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder at isolated places, particularly in ghat and sub-ghat regions during the evening.
In neighbouring Kasargod district, cloudy conditions are likely to prevail during the afternoon and evening hours, with chances of rain.
Malnad and hilly regions under watch
Districts in the Malnad region, including Kodagu, Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, and Shivamogga, are also likely to witness isolated thunder showers during the evening.
These regions, known for their hilly terrain and dense vegetation, often experience sudden weather changes during this period.
Thunder showers in north interior Karnataka
In north interior Karnataka, several districts are expected to experience scattered thunder showers by evening. These include:
- Dharwad
- Haveri
- Bagalkote
- Gadag
- Vijayapura
- Davanagere
- Vijayanagara
- Koppal
- Ballari
- Raichur
- Yadagir
- Bidar
South interior Karnataka to see evening and night rain
Similarly, south interior Karnataka is also expected to receive rainfall accompanied by thunder during evening and night hours. The districts likely to be affected include:
- Mysuru
- Chamarajanagar
- Mandya
- Ramanagara
- Bengaluru Rural
- Bengaluru
- Kolar
- Chikkaballapur
- Tumakuru
- Chitradurga
Rainfall intensity may reduce
Meteorological officials have indicated that changes in wind circulation patterns may lead to a gradual reduction in moisture-laden winds moving inland. This shift is likely to result in a decrease in rainfall intensity from March 20 onwards.
Recent rainfall activity
The forecast comes after several parts of the state experienced rainfall on Thursday evening. Uttara Kannada district recorded particularly heavy showers, and similar conditions are expected to persist on Friday.
Conclusion
With widespread rain and thunderstorms predicted across Karnataka, authorities have advised residents to remain cautious, especially during evening hours. While the rainfall may bring temporary relief from rising temperatures, changing weather patterns suggest that the intensity could ease in the coming days.