Bengaluru is reeling under the impact of record rainfall, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for Karnataka, which was initially an orange alert on May 20, 2025. The red alert is in effect until May 25, 2025, and warns of isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall across the state. This deluge has already caused significant waterlogging, flooding, and traffic disruptions, severely impacting the city's infrastructure and daily life.
The IMD's forecast indicates that the heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the next five days, with extremely heavy rain anticipated on May 20 and 21. Wind speeds are expected to range from 35 kmph to 55 kmph along the coasts of South Konkan, Goa, Kerala, Karnataka, and the adjoining Lakshadweep area. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into these waters during this period due to the squally weather conditions.
Bengaluru has already recorded substantial rainfall, with an average of 105.5 mm recorded in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 am on May 19. Rajarajeshwari Nagar received the highest rainfall in Karnataka with 132 mm. This downpour has led to widespread waterlogging in several key areas, including near the Silk Board Metro Station and Kanteerava Stadium. The maximum temperature is expected to reach 27 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may hover around 20 degrees Celsius.
The state government is taking the situation seriously. Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar are scheduled to conduct a comprehensive inspection of flood-affected areas across Bengaluru on May 21. This decision follows the tragic incident of a wall collapse in the city that resulted in one death. The state government has announced a compensation of ₹5 lakhs for the bereaved family.
The heavy rains have significantly disrupted daily activities, leading to traffic snarls in several parts of the city. Commuting has become hazardous, with many underpasses completely submerged. A viral image of the Silk Board junction, a known traffic bottleneck, showed a complete gridlock as early as 7:20 a.m. on May 19, demonstrating the extent of the disruption.
In response to the crisis, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is actively working to clear clogged drains and remove uprooted trees and debris from roads. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has stated that flooding issues have been resolved in 70% of the identified areas in the city. The government had previously identified 210 flood-prone areas and claims to have fixed the issues in 166 of those localities since Shivakumar took over as the Bengaluru Development Minister.
The current weather pattern is attributed to the advancement of the Southwest monsoon over parts of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, as reported by the IMD on May 19. Additionally, an upper air cyclonic circulation is expected to form a low-pressure area over the east-central Arabian Sea around May 22, potentially intensifying the weather activity further.
While authorities are taking measures to mitigate the impact of the rains, residents are advised to stay cautious and take necessary precautions. The IMD has predicted light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds, in isolated places over the next few hours. The weather conditions may lead to temporary disruption of electricity in some areas, minor traffic snarls, and possible uprooting of weak tree branches.
