The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Karnataka, including its capital city Bengaluru, cautioning residents to prepare for a spell of adverse weather characterised by heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds expected to persist from May 12th through May 15th.
This weather system poses a potential disruption to daily life, particularly with the likelihood of sudden shifts in weather patterns, especially during the afternoon and evening hours. Authorities are strongly advising citizens across the affected regions to prioritise their safety, exercise caution with travel plans, and secure any loose outdoor items around their homes and workplaces to mitigate potential damage from the anticipated strong winds. The yellow alert encompasses not only Bengaluru but also extends to other districts within Karnataka, including the coastal, northern interior, and southern interior regions, indicating a widespread impact of this weather system across the state. The IMD forecast specifically predicts instances of heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and squally winds, with wind speeds potentially ranging from 30 to 40 kilometres per hour, and gusts that could reach up to 50 kilometres per hour. Adding to the anticipation of widespread rainfall, the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) has also issued forecasts predicting similar weather conditions across the state, reinforcing the need for preparedness and vigilance among the populace.
Specifically for Bengaluru, the weather outlook between May 12th and May 15th suggests predominantly partly cloudy skies, interspersed with a significant chance of light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers on each day. Residents should be particularly aware of the potential for rapid weather changes, especially during the late afternoon and evening hours, when the likelihood of strong winds, reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour, is higher. The advisory to the public includes crucial safety measures such as staying indoors during periods of lightning, avoiding unnecessary outdoor activities during heavy rainfall and storms, and taking proactive steps to secure loose items around their properties, such as flowerpots, hoardings, and banners, which could pose a hazard in strong winds. In light of the impending stormy period, authorities are urging residents of Bengaluru and other affected areas to adopt a proactive approach to safety. The primary advice is to remain indoors during thunderstorms and to avoid venturing outside during episodes of heavy rain. Travel should be limited to essential journeys only, particularly when the weather conditions become severe. Emergency services across the state have been placed on high alert and are prepared to respond to any weather-related incidents that may arise, ensuring that help is readily available should it be needed.
Adding another layer to the weather scenario in peninsular India, the IMD has also indicated that the Southwest Monsoon, a critical weather system for the region, is likely to make its initial onset over the South Andaman Sea and parts of the Southeast Bay of Bengal around May 13th. Over the subsequent four to five days, the monsoon is expected to advance further, potentially spreading to areas including the south Arabian Sea, the Maldives, the Comorin region, and the central Bay of Bengal. The arrival of the monsoon could potentially exacerbate the already unstable weather conditions in southern India, bringing more widespread and intense rainfall to the region in the coming days.
Beyond Karnataka, several other southern states and union territories are also anticipated to experience moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds starting from May 12th. These regions include Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Rayalaseema, Telangana, and Lakshadweep. Notably, lightning activity is expected over Lakshadweep, adding to the potential hazards associated with this weather system. Coastal Karnataka is also predicted to face thunderstorms until May 15th, mirroring the conditions expected in Bengaluru and the surrounding areas. Residents in Bengaluru and nearby regions are strongly advised to remain vigilant, stay updated on the latest weather forecasts from trusted news sources and the IMD, and adhere to any further instructions issued by local authorities to ensure their safety during this period of dynamic weather. Authorities across the state are taking all necessary precautions to safeguard public well-being and are on standby to manage any emergencies that may arise due to the anticipated adverse weather conditions.
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