Bengaluru
-Madhuri Adnal
Heavy rain forecast for Bengaluru and most of Karnataka is bringing both relief and risk. The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted evening showers with thunder and lightning on May 15, while a separate storm in Vijayapura district has already caused a deadly house collapse that killed four members of one family.
The tragedy occurred in Moragati village in Alamela taluk of Vijayapura district late on May 14. A spell of heavy rain with thunder and lightning hit the area, and the roof of a rented house collapsed. Four members of the Gurunath Badiger family, who were sleeping inside, died on the spot.
Bengaluru and most of Karnataka are forecast to receive evening showers with thunder and lightning on May 15 under an IMD yellow alert, following a fatal house collapse that killed four family members in Vijayapura district on May 14 due to heavy rain.
Bengaluru heavy rain forecast and IMD yellow alert
Officials said repair work was underway at the family’s own house, so the family had moved to a rented building. During the downpour, the rented house’s roof gave way. The deceased were identified as Gurunath Badiger, aged 35, Jyoti Badiger, aged 28, and children Kalamma Badiger, aged 13, and Keerthi Badiger, aged 9.
While Vijayapura dealt with the aftermath, the weather office issued a broader warning for the state. The Meteorological Department announced a yellow alert for all districts of Karnataka on May 15. The agency stated that many areas, including the state capital Bengaluru, are likely to receive rain accompanied by thunder in the evening.
Bengaluru heavy rain pattern across Karnataka districts
The alert covers every district, not just Bengaluru, with officials expecting showers after evening hours. The department has advised local authorities to stay prepared for strong rain and possible storms. People have been asked to watch the skies and remain careful in low-lying or poorly drained areas where water can collect quickly.
In Bengaluru, residents who had been facing intense heat recently are now looking at a cooler spell. Since the afternoon of May 15, the “Silicon City” has seen cloudy skies and humid conditions. Weather officials say there is a high chance of rain between 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm, along with thunder and lightning.
Bengaluru heavy rain and advancing southwest monsoon
The department has warned that strong showers in Bengaluru could lead to waterlogging in busy stretches. Traffic movement may slow down or face disruption on key roads if drains overflow. Authorities have urged commuters to travel with care during the forecast hours and avoid flooded underpasses or narrow interior lanes where water can stand.
Across Karnataka, several districts have already been receiving heavy rain over the past few days. These showers have eased the long spell of scorching weather but have also caused local disruptions. The changing pattern is linked to evolving conditions over the Bay of Bengal and the wider southwest monsoon movement over the region.
Meteorologists report that a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal has weakened. At the same time, monsoon winds have already reached the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. If no new low-pressure system forms, the southwest monsoon is expected to enter Kerala between May 20 and May 25, before progressing towards Karnataka near the end of the month.
The onset of the southwest monsoon over Karnataka this year is expected to be on the weaker side initially. Still, for many residents in Bengaluru and other districts, even moderate rain on May 15 is likely to bring temporary relief from the heat, while the Vijayapura incident highlights the continuing need for caution during intense pre-monsoon storms.
