The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a statewide alert for Karnataka, forecasting heavy rainfall until August 20. Multiple districts are under yellow, orange, and red alerts as monsoon activity intensifies across coastal, interior, and Malnad regions.
Alerts and Affected Districts
- Red Alert (Aug 18): Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru
- Orange Alert (Aug 17–19): Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Hassan, Mysuru, Kodagu, Bagalkot, Belagavi, Dharwad, Gadag
- Yellow Alert (Till Aug 19): Bengaluru Urban and Rural, Chamarajanagara, Tumakuru, Mandya, Kolar
Weather Conditions
- Wind Gusts: Up to 40 km/h expected in coastal and hilly regions
- Rainfall Intensity: Scattered to widespread light to moderate rain, with isolated heavy showers
- Urban Impact: Bengaluru may experience waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and power outages due to persistent rain
Safety Advisory
The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) has urged residents to:
- Avoid travel during peak rainfall hours
- Stay indoors during lightning activity
- Secure outdoor belongings and unplug electronics during storms
Agricultural Impact
Continuous rainfall has already damaged tomato crops in Chikkaballapur and led to flooding in Bagalkot, where the Malaprabha river breached embankments, inundating farmland.
