Bengaluru: The city was taken by surprise as it experienced its first rain of the year, accompanied by hail, on Tuesday. Heavy rainfall was reported across various areas, including Majestic, Shantinagar, Kadugodi, Market, Jayanagar, Basaveshwara Nagar, Wilson Garden, and Richmond Town. Other regions such as Mysore Road, Hosakote, Chamrajpet, Bapuji Nagar, and Nayandahalli also witnessed significant rainfall. Hail was reported in Halasuru, Indiranagar, and Baiyappanahalli.
The downpour, which included thunder and lightning, affected several parts of the city, including Anjanapura, Gottigere, Uttarahalli, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Hebbal, JP Nagar, Kengeri, Nagavara, Kammanahalli, and Sanjaynagar. The rainfall caused traffic disruptions in various areas, prompting the Greater Bengaluru Authority to expedite ongoing roadworks.
By 9 PM, the Karnataka Meteorological Department reported rainfall measurements: 24 mm in Hemmigehalli, 22.5 mm in Gollahalli, 16.5 mm in Batteryanapura, 14.5 mm in Choudeshwari, 12.5 mm in Jakkur, and 12 mm in Jakkur-2.
With the Ramjan festival occurring over the weekend following Ugadi, many residents were traveling to their hometowns. The rain began just as people were heading out in the evening, leading to slow-moving traffic on Mysore Road. A traffic jam was reported from the City Market flyover to Nayandahalli due to the rain.
The weather forecast indicates that pre-monsoon rains will continue in the city until March 21. The next two days are expected to be dry during the day, with rain likely in the evenings. Temperatures are anticipated to be lower, with scattered light to moderate rainfall expected in the coming days, as per the meteorological department’s predictions.
