Bengaluru has been lashed with moderate to heavy showers over most parts of the city, yesterday. While the city observatory recorded 39mm of 24hr rainfall, the Kempegowda International Airport measured 50mm of downpour. Lowest temperatures of under 20°C have been recorded at most locations across the city. GKVK (Gandhi Krishi Vigyana Kendra) at University of Agricultural Science, located in city suburb at Yelahanka was the lowest at 17.8°C, about 4°C below the average. Rain and thundershowers splashed the capital city, with moderate to heavy spells at many places.
Bengaluru is not ranked rainiest city by any means and heavy rains invariably elude the ‘Aero’ city during the monsoon season. Though the monsoon arrives quite early but the monthly average rainfall for June is mere 106.5mm. In that also, 4 out of the last 5 years fell far short of this target. However, the city has already recorded 137mm of rainfall just half way through the month. The city looks on track to overtake the last 10 years record of 191.3mm, held since 2016. An all time high of 228.2mm established in 1996 also does not seem inaccessible this season.
A north-south trough from Rayalaseema to Comorin region is running in the close proximity of the city. Monsoon surge along Coastal Karnataka and Kerala is also likely to pick up over the next 48-72 hours. Fairly widespread sharp showers are expected to lash the city, across its length and breadth, over the next 3 days. These thundershowers will be more intense on 18th and 19thJune. Squally winds and lightning strikes will accompany the driving rains. Most of the activity is expected during the late evening and night hours.