Bengaluru is in the midst of a wet spell, with persistent rain and thunderstorms sweeping across the city over the past few days. These pre-monsoon showers have come as a welcome relief from the searing summer heat, yet they have also brought with them a wave of challenges for residents. Waterlogged roads, traffic snarls, and knee-deep water in several areas have become part of daily life, as citizens brace for more rain in the coming days.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the Southeast Bay of Bengal is driving the current weather conditions. The city has been placed under a yellow alert, along with 22 other districts in Karnataka, as the IMD warns of moderate to heavy thundershowers continuing through May 22. The maximum temperature in Bengaluru is expected to remain below 33°C until at least May 24.
While the showers have cooled the temperature and offered some respite, they have also exposed the city’s vulnerability to extreme weather. On Saturday evening, heavy rain coinciding with an IPL match resulted in a six-hour traffic gridlock across central Bengaluru. Roads like MG Road, Residency Road, and Richmond Road were choked, with thousands stuck in long jams. Elsewhere, residents waded through knee-deep water, with many struggling to navigate submerged streets in areas such as Domlur and Nagavara.
For many, this situation feels all too familiar. Bengaluru’s infrastructure, often overwhelmed by even brief rainfall, is once again under scrutiny. The BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) received several complaints of waterlogging, highlighting ongoing drainage and civic planning issues that remain unresolved.
On a more hopeful note, the IMD has forecast that the southwest monsoon could arrive in Karnataka by the end of May—earlier than the usual onset in June. This is expected to bring above-normal rainfall to the region, which could prove beneficial for agriculture and water reserves if managed well.
The authorities have urged residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions. As Bengaluru battles the inconveniences brought on by the rains, there remains cautious optimism that the early arrival of the monsoon could signal a good season ahead. But for now, the city’s spirit is being tested yet again—its resilience soaked in rain and patience.