Bengaluru Records 103 mm Rainfall in 24 Hours; Yellow Alert Extended till Tuesday
Bengaluru, May 19 – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has extended the yellow alert issued on May 18 for several parts of Karnataka, including Bengaluru, through Monday and Tuesday, citing ongoing cyclonic circulation patterns.N Puviarasu, Director of IMD Bengaluru, stated that the department is closely monitoring air circulation patterns and will provide further updates based on weather developments. "As per the current pattern of cyclonic circulation, Karnataka, especially the coastal parts, will receive heavy rainfall. Bengaluru is also expected to witness heavy rainfall over the next two days," he said.
Severe Rains Lash Bengaluru
Bengaluru experienced intense pre-monsoon showers on Sunday, leading to significant waterlogging in many low-lying areas. The IMD reported that the city received 103 mm of rain in the past 24 hours.One of the most affected areas was Sai Layout in Horamavu (Mahadevapura zone), where water levels rose to 4–5 feet, submerging streets and reaching knee-deep in several locations. Residents blamed the flooding on clogged drains, alleging that repeated complaints to civic authorities had gone unaddressed.
Water also entered homes in NC Colony on Tannery Road. In Jayanagar, a tree uprooted by strong winds fell on a parked car and a jeep, causing damage. East End Road near Mount Carmel School Road was temporarily shut due to another fallen tree.
Traffic Disruption and Urban Challenges
Commuters across Bengaluru faced major challenges navigating flooded streets. Despite traffic advisories, vehicles were stranded in knee-deep water at Panathur S Cross, Domlur flyover’s upper ramp, Koramangala, and near Manyata Tech Park — all known waterlogging hotspots.The yellow alert warns of moderate to heavy thundershowers, lightning, and gusty winds of 50–60 km/h. Temporary power outages, traffic congestion, and uprooting of weak trees are likely during this period.
Alert for 23 Karnataka Districts
On Sunday, the IMD issued a yellow alert for 23 districts in Karnataka till Thursday. These include:- Bengaluru Urban
- Bengaluru Rural
- Kolar
- Chikkaballapura
- Tumakuru
- Mandya
- Mysuru
- Hassan
- Kodagu
- Belagavi
- Bidar
- Raichur
- Yadgir
- Davanagere
- Chitradurga
Cyclonic Activity Behind Inclement Weather
The ongoing rainfall is being attributed to an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the Southeast Bay of Bengal and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. A trough extending from Telangana to North Tamil Nadu is further enhancing moisture incursion into Karnataka, triggering widespread rainfall across the region.Southern Karnataka, especially the Malenadu region and the coastal belt, continues to receive good rainfall. The IMD cautions residents to stay updated on weather advisories and take necessary precautions amid the ongoing spell of heavy rain.