Bengaluru, 16 June

As the southwest monsoon gains strength, Karnataka is bracing for a rain-drenched week, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing multiple alerts across the state. A red alert, signalling extremely heavy rainfall, has been declared for Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, and Shivamogga. Orange alerts, indicating very heavy rain, are in place for districts like Mysuru, Belagavi, and Chamarajanagar, while yellow alerts cover Mandya, Kalaburagi, and others. In Bengaluru, light to moderate rain is forecast throughout the week, with no severe warnings currently in place. However, residents are advised to stay cautious, especially on waterlogged roads. According to IMD scientists, the widespread rainfall is being driven by an upper air cyclonic circulation over Marathwada and a trough extending to coastal Andhra Pradesh, alongside remnants of a cyclonic system over the Bay of Bengal that merged near south Bangladesh. Bengaluru is expected to experience daily showers with daytime temperatures around 29–30°C and cooler nights at about 20°C. Humidity levels will remain high, enhancing the monsoon atmosphere. While the rain provides much-needed respite from the summer heat, it also calls for vigilance and preparedness from citizens and civic bodies alike to tackle any potential disruptions.