The India Meteorological Department issued a widespread yellow alert for 24 districts in Karnataka valid until May 22, driven by a well-marked low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal. The intense pre-monsoon weather has caused at least seven fatalities across the state, including four members of a family killed in a roof collapse in the Vijayapura district.
The severe weather brings thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40 to 50 kmph to vulnerable regions. Coastal, south interior, and north interior Karnataka are bracing for continued heavy rainfall ranging between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm, according to a detailed report by The Economic Times. In Bengaluru, moderate to heavy showers are causing significant waterlogging and daily commuting disruptions.
The primary meteorological driver is a cyclonic circulation extending up to 5.8 km above sea level over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. This system is funneling moisture over the southern peninsula and triggering heavy rain alerts in neighboring states, specifically impacting five districts in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai and Tiruchirappalli, LiveMint verified in a recent update. Portions of Kerala are also mobilizing administrative and disaster response units.
The extreme localized flooding occurs as the IMD tracks the broader southwest monsoon’s advancement into the Arabian Sea. Forecasters project the monsoon will reach Kerala early on May 26. The national weather agency maintains warnings that overall seasonal rainfall may ultimately fall below normal averages due to the anticipated emergence of El Niño conditions later in the cycle.