Heavy Rainfall alert in Karnataka ahead of Ugadi: Issued alert on these districts

Heavy Rainfall Alert: The sudden shift in weather across Karnataka is a significant turn, especially with Ugadi (the Kannada New Year) falling tomorrow, Thursday, March 19, 2026. After a period of intense heat, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indeed issued a Yellow Alert as pre-monsoon activity intensifies.

Here is the breakdown of the current weather situation:

Districts Under Yellow Alert:

The alert covers most of the state, with the following regions expected to see thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds through March 21:

South Interior: Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Ramanagara, Tumakuru, and Davanagere.North Interior: Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Belagavi, and Dharwad.

Coastal & Malnad: Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Hassan, and Kodagu.

Key Weather Impacts:

Hailstorm Activity: Areas like Dharwad and Raichur have already reported significant hail (up to 4–5 inches in some spots), and Bengaluru (specifically Hebbal and Sanjaynagar) saw “ice cube” sized hail on Tuesday evening.

While the rain has brought temperatures down to a more comfortable 33°C in Bengaluru, the hailstorms pose a threat to standing crops and have caused localized traffic disruptions due to slippery roads and waterlogging.

Safety Warning: The IMD and local authorities have advised residents to stay indoors during lightning and avoid standing under trees or electric poles. The wet spell is predicted to persist through the festival day. If you are planning outdoor rituals or decorations like Rangoli and Torans, be prepared for sudden evening showers or gusty winds.