Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, May 11: The state is currently witnessing pre-monsoon showers, which are expected to continue till May 13, according to forecasts. In a significant development, the monsoon is likely to arrive in Karnataka five days earlier than usual, and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a stronger-than-usual pre-monsoon season this year.

Early monsoon onset

The IMD has stated that the southwest monsoon could enter Kerala by May 27, ahead of the usual June 1 onset. This marks a rare instance of early monsoon onset; the last time monsoon arrived this early was in 2009, when it began on May 23.

Heavy rains forecast across Karnataka

With pre-monsoon showers already underway, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for several districts, including Bengaluru. Both northern and southern interior regions of the state have been warned of heavy rainfall.

Rain is likely in the following districts: Bidar, Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, Yadgir, Raichur, Bagalkote, Ballari, Davangere, Chitradurga, Shivamogga, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Tumakuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Chikkaballapur, Kolar, Ramanagara, Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru Rural.

Authorities are advising residents in the alert zones to stay updated with weather warnings and take necessary precautions.