Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, May 11: Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre has predicted heavy rain all over Karnataka on Saturday May 12. The centre, which said that the rainfall will be accompanied by lightning and thunder, has requested the voters to exercise their franchise before noon.

The meteorological department too has predicted heavy rainfall along with thunder and lightning all over the state including coastal Karnataka till May 14. The Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre officials expect the rainfall to be intense after 2 pm on Saturday and hence have advised voters to vote early.

Experts said that pre-monsoon rain which has appeared at various parts of the state and country will advance into other areas of Karnataka and on Saturday, rain will begin most likely at 2 or 3 pm.

Although the election commission has extended polling time by an hour expecting hot weather to affect the voters, the meteorology department expects rain on Saturday and therefore climate will also be bearable. Certain publications said that even political parties are keeping the options of escorting voters to voting centres ready if rain threatens to wash out their prolonged efforts of wooing the voters at the last minute.

Rain is expected in Kolar, Ramanagara, Mysuru, Mandya, Bengaluru, Tumakuru, coastal districts, Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga and surrounding regions.