BENGALURU: Forecasting moderate to heavy thundershowers across Karnataka, India Meteorological Department Friday issued ‘yellow alert’ for heavy rainfall in 23 districts in the state, including Bengaluru.The forecast is valid from Friday evening to May 22.

The entire south-interior Karnataka districts, including Bengaluru, are likely to experience intense thundershowers along with strong and gusty winds at speeds of 5060kmph. IMD has issued yellow alert for Bengaluru, Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Tumakuru, Mandya, Mysuru, Hassan, Kodagu, Belagavi, Bidar, Raichur, Yadgir, Davanagere, Chitradurga, and other adjoining districts. “All districts will receive fairly widespread rainfall over the next seven days with lightning and thunderstorms,” an IMD official said.An IMD bulletin showed an upper-air cyclonic circulation over Southeast Bay of Bengal, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Additionally, IMD officials pointed out a trough running from Telangana to North Tamil Nadu, bringing sufficient rain across the peninsular region.“Conditions are favourable for monsoon’s further progress over some parts of South Arabian Sea. These conditions, along with the prevailing weather systems, will result in thunderstorms across south-interior Karnataka,” a senior IMD official explained.Following the forecast, Greater Bengaluru Authority officials and Bengaluru Traffic Police, along with other stakeholders, held a coordination meeting to prevent rain-related damage and mishaps in Bengaluru.

Focus on handling traffic snarls

Officials prioritised addressing the flooding of roads and resolved to clear waterlogging to ensure smooth flow of traffic.Sahil Bagla, DCP (trafficeast), explained that traffic and tree fall-related issues in the East zone were discussed in detail. Siri Gowri DR, DCP (traffic-north), said, “Major waterlogging locations have been identified and flagged to BBMP for clearance. Officials and agencies have been assigned duties and roles to prevent any traffic snarls.”R Snehal, zonal commissioner (East), BBMP, stated water-pumping systems will be set up at waterlogging points, and rainwater will be pumped out at the earliest.