Bengaluru: Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds lashed Bengaluru on Tuesday evening, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a yellow alert as the city entered an active pre-monsoon phase.
Multiple parts of the city witnessed heavy downpour, including Banashankari, Jayanagar, Indiranagar and MG Road. Thunderstorms and strong winds accompanied the rain, leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas and slowing down traffic movement.
Commuters across key stretches reported delays as roads became slippery and visibility dropped significantly. Two-wheeler riders, in particular, faced difficulty navigating flooded streets during peak evening hours.
The sudden spell of rain brought temporary relief from rising temperatures but caused widespread disruption across the city. Areas such as Indiranagar and Church Street experienced severe waterlogging, while fallen tree branches were reported in some locations, including near the Commissioner's office.
Officials said gusty winds reached speeds of 40-50 kmph, further complicating traffic conditions and increasing the risk of minor infrastructure damage.
Motorists were caught off guard by the intensity of the downpour, resulting in traffic jams across several arterial roads.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Bengaluru, warning of continued rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds until May 1. The weather department indicated that the city will likely experience similar conditions over the next few days.
Temperatures are expected to remain moderate, with the minimum around 23 degrees Celsius and the maximum touching 36 degrees Celsius.
Weather experts attribute the sudden change to Bengaluru's pre-monsoon thunderstorm phase, which typically brings frequent evening showers, lightning and occasional hailstorms.
This seasonal pattern usually continues until the onset of the southwest monsoon, expected later in May or early June.
Authorities have advised residents to exercise caution, especially during evening hours when thunderstorms are more likely. People have been urged to avoid waterlogged areas, drive carefully, and remain alert for falling branches or sudden wind gusts.
While the rains have provided respite from the heat, the accompanying disruptions highlight the city's ongoing challenges with drainage and traffic management during sudden weather events. With more rain forecast in the coming days, residents may need to brace for continued delays and plan travel accordingly.