After a prolonged dry spell through March, Karnataka—especially Bengaluru—witnessed a significant shift with moderate-to-heavy thundershowers throughout April, resulting in 50% excess rainfall by April 30, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC).
By March 30, Karnataka had recorded just 13mm of rainfall against the expected 13.1mm, primarily due to thunderstorms in coastal areas. However, as of April 30, the state had received 68.8mm of rain, surpassing the normal 45.9mm.
Bengaluru experienced minimal rain through March, receiving only 11.8mm against an average of 14.7mm. The deficit was offset in April, when the city received 86.3mm—59% above the average 54.3mm—due to intense thundershowers in northern and western regions.
Most districts, excluding Bidar and Ballari, reported excess rainfall between January 1 and April 30. Udupi saw the highest deviation with 101.7mm against a norm of 36.3mm. Mysuru recorded a modest rise, while Ballari and Bidar experienced 28% and 25% rainfall deficits, respectively.
Bengaluru Urban received 80.5mm of rainfall over the same period, 42% more than the seasonal average of 56.6mm.
Looking ahead, IMD forecasts above-normal rainfall and below-normal maximum temperatures for most of Karnataka in May. Coastal and southern interior regions, including Bengaluru, may receive 33% to 75% more rain. Kalyana Karnataka may see temperatures soar to 42–43°C.
Recent pre-monsoon showers provided relief in Bengaluru, though they caused traffic delays in several areas due to waterlogging.
Read also: