Mangaluru: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain across several parts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts over the next two to three days, offering relief after days of intense heat.
According to the IMD, changes in atmospheric pressure over the Arabian Sea are expected to trigger rainfall accompanied by gusty winds and lightning in coastal and adjoining regions. The department has also indicated that parts of South Interior Karnataka are likely to receive significant rainfall during this period.
Meteorologists say the current weather pattern is a result of instability caused by moisture inflow from the sea, which is interacting with prevailing heat conditions over land.
The region has been experiencing high temperatures in recent days. On Tuesday, the maximum temperature recorded was 33.5°C, which is 0.4°C below normal, while the minimum stood at 25.2°C.
However, temperatures across the districts remained relatively high, with Dakshina Kannada recording a maximum of 39°C and Udupi registering 37.4°C as of 8:30 am on March 24. The combination of heat and humidity has contributed to unstable weather conditions, paving the way for thunderstorms.
Several parts of Udupi district, including Kundapur, Hiriadka, Bellarpadi and Atrady, witnessed rain accompanied by thunder and lightning on Tuesday evening. The sudden showers marked a shift from the dry and hot conditions that prevailed over the past few days.
In Dakshina Kannada district, heavy rain with thunder and lightning was reported in the Siribagilu area of Kadaba taluk, while other regions experienced moderate rainfall.
Sullia taluk also recorded moderate showers in areas such as Kalmadka, Panja and nearby localities. In some places, hailstorms were reported, indicating strong convective activity in the atmosphere. Beltangady taluk similarly witnessed moderate rainfall.
In Sagara city and surrounding rural areas, heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning continued for several hours on Tuesday afternoon, leading to multiple disruptions.
Rainwater entered several shops in the Ayodhya Tower area due to alleged unscientific construction work along B H Road. Additionally, overflowing sewage systems led to waterlogging in several parts of the city, causing inconvenience to residents and commuters.
Officials from the weather department have stated that such fluctuations—marked by sudden rain, thunderstorms and heat—are likely to continue over the next few days. Residents have been advised to remain cautious during lightning and gusty wind conditions.
Fishermen and those engaged in outdoor activities have also been urged to monitor weather updates closely, as sea conditions may turn rough due to the developing system.
The forecasted rainfall is expected to bring temporary relief from rising temperatures in coastal Karnataka. However, the accompanying thunderstorms and gusty winds may pose risks, requiring precautionary measures from the public. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as weather patterns remain dynamic.