IMD issued severe air storm and heavy rainfall alert in Karnataka

Karnataka: Heavy pre-monsoon activity has indeed triggered intense weather across Karnataka, with Bengaluru experiencing record-breaking rainfall and severe “air storm” conditions (high-velocity gusty winds). IMD issued severe air storm and heavy rainfall alert in Karnataka.

Pre-monsoon activity in late April and early May 2026 has brought extreme weather to Karnataka, specifically impacting Bengaluru with record-breaking rainfall and hazardous conditions.

For today, May 10, 2026, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for scattered rainfall and thunderstorms across various parts of Karnataka.

Weather Alert in Karnataka various districts:

South Interior Karnataka: Light to moderate rain or thundershowers, accompanied by gusty winds (30–40 km/h), are expected in Chamarajanagara, Ramanagara, Mysuru, Kodagu, and Chikkamagaluru.

North Interior Karnataka: Gusty winds (40–50 km/h) and light rain are likely in Haveri and Gadag.

Coastal Karnataka: Light to moderate rain is predicted for Dakshina Kannada and Udupi; however, Uttara Kannada is expected to remain largely dry today.

Bengaluru Weather Records:

On April 30, 2026, Bengaluru recorded 111 mm of rainfall within a 24-hour period, breaking a 15-year-old record of 108.6 mm set in 2001. Intense thunderstorms were accompanied by high-velocity winds reaching up to 75 kmph in some areas. Recent forecasts for early May continue to warn of gusty winds between 30–40 kmph.

The heavy downpour and hailstorms led to a significant cooling effect, with the city witnessing a temperature dip of 15°C on the day of the most intense storm.

State-wide Impact in Karnataka:

While 21 districts initially reported “large excess” rainfall earlier in April, more recent data indicates a 11% state-wide deficit in total summer showers as of early May. In regions like Dharwad, hailstorms and gusty winds have caused significant damage to crops, particularly causing mangoes to fall prematurely from trees.

The severity of the April 30 storm resulted in seven fatalities in Bengaluru, including a child, following the collapse of a hospital wall. Extensive waterlogging and fallen trees caused major traffic disruptions and property damage across the city.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributes these conditions to strong convective activity fueled by rising temperatures and low-level wind discontinuities, which are typical but intensified during this pre-monsoon season.