Bengaluru experienced a record-breaking rainfall event on June 2, with the city recording 111.1 mm of rain, the highest single-day rainfall in June in 133 years. This remarkable weather event surpassed the previous record of 101.6 mm set on June 16, 1891.
Record-Breaking Rainfall
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Bengaluru’s average rainfall for June is 106.5 mm, making the recent downpour particularly significant. The rainfall on June 2 not only exceeded this monthly average but also set a new historical benchmark for the city.
Impact of the Rainfall
The heavy rain was accompanied by strong winds, leading to considerable disruptions across the city:
- Tree Damage: Over 100 trees were uprooted, and branches fell onto metro tracks, disrupting metro services.
- Waterlogging: Many areas experienced severe waterlogging, causing road inundations and significant inconvenience for commuters.
- Traffic Disruptions: The Bengaluru civic body and police have been working to manage traffic flow during peak hours to minimize disruptions.
Weather Forecast and Advisory
In response to the heavy rainfall, the IMD issued a yellow alert for Bengaluru, predicting cloudy skies and intermittent rain or thundershowers from June 3 to June 5. During this period, temperatures are expected to range from 31-32 degrees Celsius during the day to 20-21 degrees Celsius at night.
Response and Precautions
Given the adverse weather conditions, many companies have allowed their employees to work from home. Residents have been advised to remain cautious of gusty winds and potential heavy rainfall in the coming days.
Monsoon Arrival and Agricultural Outlook
The early arrival of the monsoon in Karnataka, just three days after its onset in Kerala, contrasts with the previous year’s delay, which left more than 220 of the state’s 236 taluks drought-affected. The timely rains this year bring optimism for a better agricultural season, offering much-needed relief to the state’s farmers.
Historical Context
The recent rainfall event has set a new record, surpassing notable past instances of heavy rainfall in June:
- June 16, 1891: 101.6 mm
- June 1, 2013: 100 mm
- June 11, 2009: 89.6 mm
The unprecedented rainfall on June 2, 2024, has firmly placed itself in Bengaluru’s weather history, underscoring the city’s evolving climate patterns and the importance of robust urban planning to mitigate the impacts of such extreme weather events.
