Bengaluru: After a brief spell of cool winds and scattered rainfall, coastal districts of Karnataka, including Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, are set to witness further weather fluctuations due to unusual wind patterns from the Arabian Sea.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall over the next two days and issued a yellow alert as a precautionary measure, warning of thunderstorms and lightning, particularly during afternoon and evening hours.
Yellow alert for 17 districts
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for 17 districts across Karnataka. These include Kalaburagi, Raichur, Belagavi, Dharwad, Gadag, Shivamogga, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Kodagu, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Mandya, Kolar, along with Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru Rural.
The alert indicates the likelihood of moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, prompting authorities to advise caution.
Low-pressure system behind rainfall
According to the IMD, the weather conditions are being influenced by a low-pressure system formed over the Bay of Bengal. As a result, several parts of South Interior Karnataka, coastal regions, and Malnad areas are expected to receive thundershowers.
Regional weather patterns
In coastal areas such as Sulya and Subrahmanya, devotees and residents may experience sudden evening showers. Meanwhile, Kodagu is likely to witness intense thunder activity.
In contrast, areas like Balehonnur and Sringeri in Chikkamagaluru district are expected to receive only light drizzle.
Dry spell in northern regions
North Interior Karnataka is expected to remain largely dry, with sunny conditions and light cloud cover. However, parts of South Interior Karnataka, including Mysuru and Chamarajanagar, may experience moderate rainfall during the evening hours, while other areas continue to see rising temperatures.
Rainfall likely to decline
The IMD report indicates that rainfall activity is likely to decline sharply across most parts of the state from April 6 onwards, followed by a noticeable rise in temperatures. Unless the Bay of Bengal system intensifies, further rainfall is considered unlikely.
Impact on farmers
While the recent unseasonal rains have provided temporary relief from the summer heat, they have raised concerns among farmers. Standing crops are at risk of damage due to unexpected rainfall during the summer season, increasing anxiety within the farming community.
Districts such as Mysuru, Mandya, and Chamarajanagar may continue to receive light evening showers before dry weather conditions return.
Conclusion
The current weather pattern reflects a transitional phase, with short-term rainfall likely to give way to rising heat. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious during thunderstorms, especially in alert districts, as Karnataka prepares for a return to typical summer conditions.