Thunderstorms, strong winds disrupt traffic in Bengaluru; IMD hints at gradual transition to monsoon

Bengaluru: Amid anticipation over the onset of southwest monsoon in Karnataka, Bengaluru witnessed widespread thundershowers Tuesday evening, bringing relief from the recent spell of humidity and scorching heat. Moderate to intense thundershowers, accompanied by strong and gusty winds, lashed several parts of the city, disrupting traffic during evening peak hours. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), while intense thundershowers were concentrated on north and northeastern Bengaluru, nearly 60% of the city experienced wet weather conditions, with moderate to light rain reported from south and southeastern localities. The city recorded 17.8mm of rainfall; HAL areas saw 4.8mm.Wind speeds of up to 35kmph were recorded during the evening, leading to uprooting of trees and falling of branches in several areas.The rain disrupted Namma Metro services on the Purple Line after a tree branch fell on the tracks between ITPB and Sathya Sai Hospital stations around 6pm. Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) suspended services between Whitefield and Garudacharpalya stations for nearly 30 minutes, affecting operations at around 10 stations during peak hours.Commuters complained of overcrowding at stations and alleged that BMRCL failed to issue timely updates about the disruption, with many passengers initially assuming it was caused by a technical fault.End of pre-monsoon showers?IMD officials said Bengaluru and parts of south-interior Karnataka are likely to witness gradual withdrawal of pre-monsoon thunderstorm activity. “Tuesday’s thunderstorms are likely to be among the last widespread and intense pre-monsoon spells over Bengaluru. Isolated showers may continue for a few more days before monsoon conditions fully set in,” said IMD scientist CS Patil.