Bengaluru Weather: IMD warns of thunder and lightning as Dhanteras shopping frenzy raises traffic concerns

Residents of Bengaluru may have to deal with rain and traffic restrictions on Friday, November 6, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of thunderstorms and lightning across the city and several parts of Karnataka. The weather warning comes on Dhanteras, when markets, jewelery shops and shopping areas are expected to see increased demand ahead of Diwali.

IMD issues thunderstorm warning, likely rain

The Bengaluru IMD forecast predicted generally cloudy skies with light rain, along with a thundershower warning. The department has predicted a minimum temperature of around 21 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius.

The warning is especially important for people planning to shop in the evening, as even a short rain can affect traffic during the festive rush.

The IMD forecast for South Interior Karnataka includes the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning and thunderstorms. The Karnataka Natural Disaster Monitoring Center (KSNDMC) has also indicated the possibility of scattered light to moderate rainfall over South Interior Karnataka, Coastal Karnataka and Malnad region, with possibility of heavy rain at isolated places.

The weather activity is related to the remnants of Cyclone Murasu, which crossed the coast of Andhra Pradesh and subsequently weakened. However, according to the latest IMD updates, the cyclonic circulation over East Telangana and adjoining coastal Andhra Pradesh continued to affect the weather conditions in parts of South India.

Rainfall is not expected to be uniform across Bengaluru and residents may experience intermittent showers rather than continuous rain. However, thunderstorms and lightning can develop with limited advance notice.

Bengaluru Traffic Situation and Diwali Weekend Forecast

The impact of Friday’s rain was already visible on Bengaluru’s roads. According to traffic updates reported by The Bengaluru Live, rainwater slowed vehicular movement at several places in East Bengaluru on Friday afternoon.

Bengaluru Traffic Police reported slow movement from Hope Farm towards Belathur. Waterlogging was also reported at Mahadevapura Bridge, affecting traffic towards Police Station Road. Another alert warned of waterlogging near the Phoenix Mall, with vehicles moving slowly towards Lowry Junction.

Commuters heading to these areas should expect possible delays, especially during the evening shopping peak.

There is some relief in the forecast for the next few days. The IMD has predicted partly clear skies for Sunday, November 8, which is Diwali, with no thunderstorm warning for the city. Saturday, November 7 is expected to remain generally cloudy, with isolated spots of light rain.

The IMD forecast also sees temperatures hovering around 19-21 degrees Celsius at night and reaching around 29-30 degrees Celsius during the day over the weekend.

Residents heading out for Dhanteras shopping are advised to monitor local weather and traffic updates, especially if traveling through areas that have reported waterlogging.