IMD forecasts heavy pre-monsoon rains in Bengaluru, southern Karnataka, intense heatwave in northern region

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted varied weather conditions across Karnataka in the coming days. While Bengaluru and the southern parts of the state are expected to experience heavy pre-monsoon rainfall, northern Karnataka is likely to face intense heatwave conditions. According to the department, the state will see above-normal rainfall in addition to extreme temperatures between March and May.

Pre-monsoon showers are expected over south-interior and coastal Karnataka between March 10 and March 13, the IMD predicted. A dominant upper-air cyclonic circulation over the northeastern Indian Ocean and southeast Bay of Bengal regions can be attributed to the early onset of pre-monsoon showers over south-interior Karnataka districts.

The thunderstorms are expected to lash Bengaluru, Kolar, Bengaluru Rural, Chikkaballapura, Tumakuru, Ramanagara, Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Kodagu, and Hassan.

"While coastal Karnataka and Malnad are likely to witness 50-60% excess summer showers, the interior districts such as Bengaluru are expected to get about 30-40% excess pre-monsoon showers," IMD was quoted as saying in a TOI report. "Starting Tuesday, there will be cloudy weather throughout the day. Due to the cloudy condition, daytime appears to be cool and night warmer than the average as the cloudy conditions trap the radiating heat from the ground.”

With temperatures rising between 43°C and 45°C in March, the hot and dry weather is expected to persist in Karnataka's northeastern regions. The department has issued a heatwave warning for the northeastern districts, urging residents to take necessary precautions.

Although the heat will be at its highest in March, the IMD predicted that it might progressively subside in April and May and disperse more uniformly throughout North Karnataka.