According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a low pressure area is expected to form in the Bay of Bengal in the next 24 hours. Thereafter, it is likely to move slowly nearly westwards towards Tamil Nadu/Sri Lanka coasts during subsequent 2-days. While the system will dump most rains over Tamil Nadu, the regions nearing the southern state won’t go unscathed.
Heavy rains (64.5 mm-115.5 mm) are expected to lash South Interior Karnataka on Wednesday and Thursday (November 13-14). A yellow watch, urging civilians to “be updated” about the inclement weather, has been placed over the region for those two days. Light to moderate rainfall may continue over parts of the state until the end of this week.
Bengaluru, for instance, is likely to witness rainfall activity from Wednesday to Sunday (until November 17). Thunderstorm and lightning activity is also expected during this period. According to the weather department, Bengaluru is expected to receive 30mm of rainfall in the upcoming days.
If the rains are intense enough, residents will have to exercise caution while venturing out. Due to the ongoing metro work in the northern parts of the city, in particular, severe traffic congestion and waterlogging are possible. Locals would do well to avoid areas prone to flooding and follow weather forecasts closely to plan their days accordingly.
Apart from Bengaluru, Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Belgaum, Chikkaballapur and Udupi districts may also experience considerable rains this week.
Meanwhile, after enjoying excess rains in October, the northeast monsoon’s poor performance so far this month has left Karnataka a little parched. Between November 1 and 10, the state has collectively recorded just 11 mm of rainfall — 48% below normal. Bengaluru Urban and Rural have also recorded deficits of 78% and 76%, respectively. It remains to be seen if the upcoming rains will help the state make up for these shortfalls.