Bengaluru Weather Alert: IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Thunderstorms, Lightning and Gusty Winds Today

IMD yellow alert for Bengaluru today: Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds forecast across city South Interior Karnataka, including Bengaluru, is on IMD yellow alert today, with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds expected from afternoon into late evening.

Bengaluru is under a yellow alert from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) today, December 4, with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds forecast over several parts of the city and neighbouring districts. The alert follows days of rain linked to Cyclone Ditwah’s remnant circulation over South Peninsular India, which has already triggered disruptions across southern states.

IMD bulletins place South Interior Karnataka on a heavy to very heavy rainfall watch, including Bengaluru Urban and Rural, as well as Ramanagara, Tumakuru and Kolar. The weather agency has warned of rain-thunderstorm activity through the day, with brief intense spells possible in some pockets. Similar alerts remain in force for Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema.

IMD yellow alert Bengaluru thunderstorms: timing, likely impact today

Hourly forecasts for Bengaluru on Thursday show thunderstorms likely from early afternoon, around 1 pm to 3 pm, and again during the evening and night, especially between 8 pm and 10 pm. Cloudy skies dominate most other hours, keeping temperatures near 24–26°C in the afternoon and dropping to about 20–21°C late night.

The earlier yellow alert for Bengaluru was issued as Cyclone Ditwah intensified over the southwest Bay of Bengal, with IMD Bengaluru predicting widespread light to moderate rainfall over South Interior Karnataka. Scientist C S Patil told The Times of India that “these conditions may intensify, bringing moderate rainfall to Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Kolar, and Ramanagara on Saturday and Sunday.”

Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds over South Interior Karnataka

Recent IMD advisories highlight heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places over South Interior Karnataka, driven by a lingering circulation associated with Ditwah and strong moisture feed from the Bay of Bengal. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds, generally in the 30–50 kmph range, are expected across parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala during this spell.

City-specific nowcast products from IMD’s Urban Meteorological Services portal show Bengaluru under active monitoring, with district and station warnings updated through the day. Officials use radar scans to track fast-forming thundercells around the city, allowing short-fuse alerts when intense cells move towards dense neighbourhoods or key corridors like Whitefield, Yelahanka, Electronic City and the Outer Ring Road.

Bengaluru rain safety, BBMP helplines and power, water support

IMD and state agencies continue to urge caution during this active phase. A recent advisory on South Interior Karnataka stressed that people should avoid trees, weak hoardings and metal structures during lightning, and limit travel during heavy bursts. “People in Bengaluru are advised to take care during this period,” one IMD-linked advisory noted, flagging difficult driving conditions in heavy rain.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has kept multiple control room lines open for rain complaints, including waterlogging, tree falls and damaged manholes. Citizens can call the 24×7 toll-free helpline 1533, or the central control room at 080-22660000, 080-22975595 and 080-22221188. A WhatsApp helpline is available on 94806 85700 for quick photo and location sharing.

City guides on rain preparedness also list police emergency 112, fire 101 and ambulance 108 as key numbers, alongside animal rescue helpline 1962 for stranded pets or livestock. Residents are encouraged to use official apps and helplines rather than stepping into flooded stretches, as hidden drains, loose cables and sudden current leakage pose serious risks.

With thunderstorms forecast this afternoon and night, Bengaluru residents are advised to plan commutes around likely peak storm windows, park vehicles away from weak trees and low underpasses, and keep phones charged with key helplines saved. Authorities say staying informed through IMD and BBMP updates will be crucial as the yellow alert period continues across South Interior Karnataka.