Bengaluru: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued critical weather warnings for Karnataka starting Saturday, May 16, 2026. A persistent low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, paired with an associated cyclonic circulation, is driving widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and high-velocity winds across multiple regions of the state.
Key Regional Forecasts & Alerts
1. Alerts Issued for Multiple Districts
The IMD has placed several parts of Karnataka under Orange and Yellow alerts, warning of heavy downpours ranging between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm at isolated places.
• Yellow Alert Districts: Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Shimoga, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Kodagu, Mandya, Mysore, Ramanagara, Chamarajanagar, Tumkur, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural, Davanagere, Chitradurga, Bellary, Vijayanagar, Haveri, Dharwad, Gadag, Koppal, Bagalkot, Raichur, and Yadgir.
2. Heavy Rain and Storm Warnings
• South Interior Karnataka: Heavy rain, severe thunderstorms, and lightning are highly likely. Strong gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 km/h are expected to accompany the showers.
• North Interior Karnataka: Light to moderate rain and thundershowers are predicted for isolated pockets, including Raichur, Yadgir, Vijayapura, Kalaburagi, Gadag, Koppal, and Bagalkot. Thunderstorms with wind speeds of 40–50 km/h will persist here through May 17 before gradually easing.
• Coastal Belt: Light to moderate rain is forecast to impact Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada.
Impact on Bengaluru
Bengaluru is set to experience a noticeable dip in maximum temperatures over the weekend. The IMD forecasts a partly cloudy sky for the capital, with a high probability of light to moderate rain and thundershowers.
The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) has flagged potential waterlogging risks in urban pockets. Commuters are advised to stay cautious, as sudden heavy morning or evening spells could impact visibility and slow down traffic across major tech corridors and transit routes.
