We understand the disappointment of those whose Dussehra weekend plans were disrupted by the rain. Over the last two days, Bengaluru has seen intermittent showers, some of them quite heavy, in various parts of the city. As the city's infrastructure struggles to cope with yesterday’s downpour, forecasts suggest the wet weather is here to stay for a little while longer.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that Bengaluru will experience mostly cloudy skies, with light rain and occasional thundershowers throughout the week. Moreover, these conditions are likely to worsen as the weekend approaches.
A yellow watch is currently in effect for Bengaluru Urban, cautioning residents about possible heavy rains on Wednesday and Thursday (October 16-17). By Friday (October 18), this will escalate to an orange alert, urging people to prepare for more intense downpours.
Independent weather forecasters have warned of a significant rain event expected between Wednesday evening and Friday morning, which could result in flooding and serious traffic delays. With the city’s pothole-filled roads already in poor condition, commuters are advised to be cautious during this period, as more rain could cause further disruption. Traffic congestion has already been reported across major areas of Bengaluru today, with the combination of recent rain and the post-holiday rush back to work.
On a positive note, the rainfall has significantly improved the city's air quality. Bengaluru’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has dropped to 49, signaling good air conditions, and the dust has noticeably settled.
As the rainy week continues, Bengaluru’s residents are encouraged to keep their umbrellas and rain gear handy, as more wet weather seems inevitable.
