Bengaluru weather update: Heavy rain and hailstorm lash city

Heavy rain and hailstorm lashed some parts of Bengaluru today. In its weather forecast, the India Meteorological Department or IMD has forecast scattered rainfall over many parts south India, including Karnataka, over the next few days.

"Light/moderate isolated to scattered rainfall over many parts of the region during next 5 days and with
thunderstorm/lightning/gusty winds very likely over Kerala & Mahe and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry &
Karaikal and Lakshadweep during next 5 days and over Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh on 23rd & 24th May.

Heavy rainfall very likely at isolated places over Kerala on 23rd, 26th & 27th May," IMD said.

Many people shared images on social media of today's downpour in Bengaluru. "Non-stop thunder and lightning for 5 mins followed by high speed wind followed by crazy downpour and hailstorm. Now a steady and heavy rainfall at RR Nagar, Bangalore!! What a crazy downpour this has been today," @v_nayk tweeted.



Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today said 52 deaths have been reported so far due to pre-monsoon rains in the state, along with damages to properties. The CM today chaired a meeting with Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of all districts and CEOs of Zilla Panchayats, over video conferencing, to discuss disaster management. He said authorities have been warned of strict action in case of dereliction of duty.

On Sunday, an Infosys techie died after a car she was travelling in with her family got stuck in neck-deep water at KR Circle underpass, in Bengaluru, just a stone's throw from Vidhana Soudha, the seat of power in Karnataka.



"Pre-monsoon showers have started in several parts, pre-monsoons are from April to June. This time pre-monsoon showers have been 10 per cent above normal. In this about 52 people have lost their lives so far, 331 livestock loss has been reported, crop loss has been reported in 20,000 hectare, and 814 houses have been damaged," Siddaramaiah told reporters after the meeting.

Providing an update on Advance of southwest monsoo, IMD said: "Conditions are favourable for further advance of southwest monsoon into some more parts of south Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea and Andaman & Nicobar Islands during next 2 days."