The India Meteorological Department has forecast isolated heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in Bengaluru and parts of coastal and South Interior Karnataka until October 24, offering some relief after one of the state’s driest southwest monsoon seasons. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for South Karnataka districts until October 25.
The wet spell coincides with the onset of the northeast monsoon. The IMD has forecast fairly widespread to widespread rainfall across the region, while North Karnataka districts are also expected to receive some relief. October rainfall has remained below normal across Karnataka, but the forecast showers could reduce part of the accumulated deficit.
Karnataka received 551 mm of rainfall during the southwest monsoon season against a normal of 852 mm, resulting in a deficit of 35 per cent. Dry conditions continued into October, affecting both urban areas and agricultural districts.
Data from the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre shows that the state had received around 44 mm of rainfall between October 1 and October 18, compared with a normal of 89 mm for the period. This represents a deficit of 51 per cent.
The shortfall has been sharper in North Karnataka. The region received only 9 mm of rainfall against a normal of 78 mm during the same period, leaving an 87 per cent deficit. The area had also recorded a large rainfall deficit during the southwest monsoon, contributing to extensive crop loss.
For Bengaluru, the forecast indicates a period of potentially unsettled weather, with isolated heavy spells and thunderstorms expected through October 24. The alert covers South Karnataka districts, although the supplied forecast does not specify rainfall totals for individual city locations.
The expected rainfall comes as Karnataka enters the latter part of October with significant variation in water availability and agricultural conditions across its regions. The immediate forecast period will determine whether the showers provide meaningful relief from the state’s accumulated rainfall deficit. The IMD warning remains in force for South Karnataka until October 25.
