Mangaluru: Pre-monsoon showers intensified across Dakshina Kannada district on Wednesday, May 13, bringing widespread rainfall and thunderstorms to several parts of the coastal region. In view of the changing weather conditions and forecasts of heavy rainfall over the coming days, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the coastal belt for the next two days.
The fresh spell of rain brought much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat, but also raised concerns over waterlogging, power disruptions and storm-related damage in vulnerable areas.
Rain lashes several taluks
Thunderstorms accompanied by moderate to heavy rainfall were reported from multiple areas in Beltangady taluk, including Venur, Kashipatna, Mundaje, Kalmanja and Ujire. Residents witnessed cloudy skies, gusty winds and lightning activity during the evening hours.
Apart from Beltangady, parts of Sullia and Puttur taluks also experienced rainfall after Wednesday evening, signalling the strengthening of pre-monsoon activity across the district.
The sudden showers led to a noticeable drop in temperatures in several interior regions, while strong winds accompanied the rain in many locations.
Locals in rural areas welcomed the rainfall as it provided relief from prolonged dry conditions and helped replenish groundwater sources and agricultural lands ahead of the monsoon season.
Temperature variations recorded in Mangaluru
According to weather observations, Mangaluru city recorded a maximum temperature of 34.8°C on Wednesday, which was 0.9°C above the seasonal average. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature dropped to 22.5°C, which was 2.6°C below normal.
The fluctuation in temperatures reflected the unstable atmospheric conditions currently prevailing over the coastal region due to increasing moisture and thunderstorm activity.
Meteorologists stated that such variations are common during the transition period between peak summer and the onset of the southwest monsoon.
Heavy rain earlier caused flooding and disruptions
The latest spell of rain comes just a day after Mangaluru witnessed heavy overnight downpours accompanied by thunder and lightning on May 12. The intense rainfall had resulted in artificial flooding in several low-lying areas of the city, disrupting vehicular movement and causing inconvenience to residents.
Waterlogging was reported from multiple pockets where storm water drainage systems struggled to handle the sudden inflow. Traffic movement was temporarily affected in some areas as rainwater accumulated on roads and junctions.
Heavy winds during the storm also caused significant damage in parts of the city. Several trees and branches were uprooted, while electric poles collapsed in certain localities, leading to widespread power outages overnight.
Residents in many neighbourhoods reportedly remained without electricity for several hours as repair teams worked to restore disrupted power lines.
Civic authorities begin precautionary measures
Following the heavy rainfall and flooding incidents, civic authorities initiated precautionary measures on Wednesday morning to prevent further disruptions.
Mangaluru City Corporation personnel undertook cleaning operations in major storm water drains, commonly known as Raja Kaluves, along with smaller drainage channels and streams to ensure smooth flow of rainwater.
Authorities also deployed teams to remove uprooted trees and clear blocked roads in affected areas. Emergency response units remained on alert in anticipation of additional rainfall over the next two days.
Officials stated that continuous monitoring of vulnerable flooding points and drainage systems is underway to minimise the impact of intense showers.
IMD issues orange alert for coastal Karnataka
According to the latest forecast issued by the IMD, the coastal districts of Karnataka are likely to experience heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds over the next 48 hours.
In view of the forecast, the department has issued an orange alert for Thursday, May 14, and Friday, May 15. The alert indicates the possibility of intense weather conditions that may lead to localised damage and disruptions.
Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious, particularly during periods of heavy rain and strong winds. People have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during thunderstorms and stay away from weak structures, electric poles and waterlogged areas.
Fishermen and coastal communities have also been asked to closely monitor weather advisories as conditions over the Arabian Sea may remain unstable during this period.
With pre-monsoon activity gathering pace, officials expect rainfall intensity to increase further in the coming days, signalling the gradual approach of the southwest monsoon along the Karnataka coast.