The southwest monsoon has intensified in Karnataka, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued Red and Orange Alerts for many parts of the state. According to the weather forecast, it is expected to be widespread rainfall from June 8 to June 13, and the coastal and Malnad districts are expected to get the heaviest rains.
Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada coastal districts are also expected to get extremely heavy rainfall on June 8 and 9. The heavy rain activity is likely to continue on June 10 and 11, too, weather officials say. Heavy winds with 30-40 kmph speed are also expected to accompany the rainfall, and fishermen and residents living around coastal areas should be wary and follow safety precautions.
According to IMD, heavy rainfall is expected to occur in the coastal belt from June 8 to June 11. There are also several districts in South Interior Karnataka that are expected to receive heavy rainfall from June 8 to June 10, and North Interior Karnataka that will likely receive heavy showers from June 8 to June 11.
In North Interior Karnataka, districts like Belagavi, Dharwad, and Gadag are expected to see heavy rainfall along with thunderstorms on June 8 and 9. Haveri, Bagalkot, and Vijayapura are also likely to experience moderate rainfall in the same time period.
The situation could be more difficult in Malnad and the South Interior. Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts are most likely to receive heavy rainfall over the next few days. Hassan, Kodagu, Mysuru, and Ballari districts are also expected to be heavily affected and will record heavy rainfall until June 14, bringing much-needed moisture to reservoirs, rivers, and agricultural land.
Given the weather conditions, the IMD issued a Red Alert for coastal districts on June 8 and 9 and parts of South Interior Karnataka on June 9. Extreme heavy rainfall could reach 204.5 mm at some locations, the alert says. Residents and all other people should be encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel, keep track of local weather alerts, and take precautions against flooding and landslides.
An Orange Alert has also been issued in several areas. Coastal districts are expected to remain under Orange Alert on June 10 and 11, while South Interior Karnataka will be on alert from June 8 to June 10. North Interior Karnataka is likely to remain under Orange Alert from June 8 to June 11. Rainfall between 64.5 mm and 204.4 mm is expected at isolated places during this period.
The monsoon activity in many parts of the state is expected to greatly impact daily life. Waterlogging in low-lying areas, road congestion, and localised flooding can occur in areas with heavy rainfall. Authorities have advised people to be more cautious while travelling at night and in areas where landslides are a worry.
In Bengaluru, it is expected to remain mostly cloudy for the next 48 hours. In parts of Bengaluru, light to moderate rain and gusty winds could occur. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 29 degrees Celsius, and the minimum temperature is around 21 degrees Celsius. The wind speed could reach 30 to 40 kmph in thunderstorms.
The monsoon is on a strong footing in Karnataka, and residents are advised to follow the official weather alerts and take precautions to be safe during heavy rainfall. The coming days are expected to bring substantial rainfall across much of the state, marking one of the strongest phases of the monsoon season thus far.
