Heavy Rains Cause Temperature Drop and Damage in Bengaluru
Bengaluru recorded 11.8 mm of rainfall on Saturday, which was 6 mm above normal for March, marking it as the sixth-highest rainfall for the month in two decades. The showers brought a welcome relief from the heat but also caused widespread damage.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the rain led to a one-degree dip in the maximum temperature, bringing it down to 33.4°C. The minimum temperature also fell by nearly two degrees to 19.5°C.
Several parts of the city experienced strong winds, which uprooted trees, blocked roads, and damaged vehicles. Power supply was disrupted in some areas due to falling branches hitting electrical lines.
IMD Forecast: No More Rain, Cloudy Skies to Persist
Despite Saturday’s heavy showers, the IMD’s 48-hour forecast predicts partly cloudy skies over the next two days. No further rain is expected during this period.
The maximum temperature is likely to be around 32°C, while the minimum temperature will hover around 22°C. Meteorologists explained that the rain was caused by localized weather instability, which has now subsided, leaving behind dry but cloudy conditions.
Tragic Incident: Toddler Killed by Falling Tree
The rain and strong winds led to a heart-wrenching incident in East Bengaluru. A three-year-old girl died after a tree trunk snapped and fell on the bike she was riding with her father near Devarajeevanahalli Park.
The child sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Sadly, she succumbed to her wounds during treatment. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has ordered a tree audit to identify and remove weak and unstable trees in the area to prevent such incidents in the future.
Impact on Traffic and Daily Life
The heavy rainfall led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas of Bengaluru, causing traffic snarls and slowing down vehicular movement. Many commuters reported delays and roadblocks due to fallen trees.
The BBMP’s disaster management teams were deployed to clear the debris. However, it took several hours to remove the fallen trees and restore normal traffic flow. Power outages were reported in certain neighborhoods, adding to the inconvenience.
Safety Tips for Residents During Cloudy Weather
While the weather is expected to remain dry, the cloudy conditions may cause occasional gusty winds. Here are some precautionary measures for Bengaluru residents:
Stay updated on weather conditions through official IMD alerts.
Avoid parking vehicles near old or unstable trees.
Be cautious while driving on roads with fallen branches.
Keep flashlights and emergency contacts handy in case of power outages.
Bengaluru is expected to experience cloudy but dry weather over the next two days, with no further rain forecast. While the rain brought temporary relief from the heat, it also caused tragic accidents and infrastructure damage. Authorities are working to clear fallen trees and prevent further mishaps.
