Karnataka is seeing an unseasonal change in weather as a rare January deep depression-equivalent to a cyclonic system—off the Tamil Nadu coast leads to rain and extreme cold throughout the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is forecasting light to moderate showers in some of the districts, halting the normal dry winter spell.
The Tamil Nadu Influence: A Rare Deep Depression
The current rainfall shift follows a deep depression that was just traversing over the Southwest Bay of Bengal near the coast of Sri Lanka. A heavy rainstorm has intensified these coastal Tamil Nadu waters and is now carrying moist winds into Karnataka. The system is slowly reducing in intensity into a low-pressure zone, but its residual effect will be substantial for South Interior Karnataka.
Forecast of Rainfall of Karnataka Districts
According to IMD Bengaluru, the morning reports said various districts were currently on alert for dispersed rains. The worst hit areas are:
- Coastal Districts: Udupi and Uttara Kannada;
- Southern Districts: Chamarajanagar, Mysore, Hassan, Kodagu.
Bengaluru Forecast
The sky is forecast to be cloudy in the state capital with sporadic light showers. The highest temperature in Bengaluru is expected to be around 27°C while the lowest is to be somewhere between 16°C to 17°C.
Toughening Cold And Fog Conditions
While the North Interior Karnataka region is prepared for a blast of cold; the south is left coping with rain. Shitalahari or the Cold Wave is anticipated in areas of Bagalkote, Bijapur and Bidar, where the minimum is predicted to drop by 2-3°C in the next few days. Moreover, heavy fog over the highway corridors in the morning has also resulted in poor visibility. Those traveling or commuting are cautioned to stay aware and exercise caution during a period of early morning hours.
Public advisory for citizens and farmers
The IMD report indicates the northeast monsoon rains are still in the final cessation phase. But, harvested crops may be affected by the current moisture surge.
- Farmers: Encourage protection of gathered grains from unseasonal moisture.
- Health: Health experts recommend wearing warm clothes, particularly for children and the elderly, to prevent respiratory problems.
- Travelers: Look out for fog alerts before taking major state highways.
As the system drifts farther west, weather is likely to return to this dry, sunny pattern by the beginning of next week.
