Bengaluru experienced an unprecedented weather event on Sunday, breaking a 133-year-old record for the highest single-day rainfall in the month of June. The city was drenched by approximately 111 mm of rain in a single evening, marking the highest recorded rainfall in June since records began. Over a span of two days, the total rainfall reached 140.7 mm, significantly surpassing the monthly average of 110.3 mm, as reported by The Economic Times.
As the Southwest Monsoon swept into Karnataka, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a ‘yellow’ alert for Bengaluru, forecasting a cloudy sky with intermittent rain and thundershowers until June 5. The IMD further predicted additional rainfall on June 8 and 9. For the next 48 hours, Bengaluru is expected to experience generally cloudy skies with moderate to heavy rainfall and thundershowers. The maximum and minimum temperatures are anticipated to hover around 30 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius, respectively.
The monsoon’s advance into central Karnataka is expected to bring light to moderate rainfall and occasional thundershowers across most districts in the coming days, according to the IMD.
Waterlogging Across Bengaluru
Sunday’s intense rainfall led to widespread waterlogging in various parts of Bengaluru, causing significant traffic disruptions and affecting metro services. Areas such as the Hebbal Underpass, KFC Road leading to Gunjur Road, Chikkajala Kote Cross, Benniganahalli railway bridge, and Hebbal Circle faced severe congestion. The heavy downpour on Sunday resulted in waterlogging at 58 different locations, with 206 trees uprooted and branches falling at 41 sites. Consequently, operations of the Namma Metro Purple Line were halted between Indiranagar and MG Road due to a tree branch obstructing the tracks.
In a public advisory, Namma Metro stated, “Due to a tree branch falling on the metro tracks just after Trinity station towards MG Road, trains are operating only between Indiranagar and Whitefield, and MG Road and Challaghatta from 7.26 pm. Efforts are on to clear the branch and resume normal operations.”
Traffic Disruptions
The heavy rainfall triggered significant traffic congestion on main roads, including those leading to Kempegowda International Airport. The control room received numerous reports related to the intense rainfall, prompting swift responses from both traffic police and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to address fallen trees and standing water. Additionally, traffic bottlenecks were observed on the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway and at various critical intersections throughout the city.
The IMD noted that thunderstorms in Bengaluru and certain areas of south Karnataka on Saturday marked the monsoon’s arrival. The deluge on Sunday created chaotic scenes, with traffic snarls and metro service disruptions, underscoring the city’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.
As Bengaluru navigates the challenges brought by the record-breaking rainfall, authorities are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact on residents. With the monsoon season still in its early stages, the city must brace for continued rainfall and the associated disruptions. Residents are advised to stay updated with weather forecasts and heed warnings issued by the IMD and local authorities.
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