As the southwest monsoon strengthens its grip over Karnataka, the weather has turned dangerous across the state. The IMD has rolled out Red, Orange and Yellow alerts for different regions. The department has warned that coastal districts could see extremely heavy rainfall on several days right up to July 7, while many parts of South Interior and North Interior Karnataka are also in line for heavy to very heavy showers.
The coast is where the situation looks grimmest. A Red Alert is in force for Coastal Karnataka on July 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7, with rainfall at isolated places expected to cross 204.5 mm. The warning applies to Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada, where relentless downpours are likely to keep river levels high and sharply raise the threat of flooding and landslides.
Alerts Along the Coast
Beyond the Red Alert days, Coastal Karnataka is under an Orange Alert on July 3 and July 4, when very heavy rain of between 115.5 mm and 204.4 mm is possible at isolated places.
The Orange Alert has also been widened to cover South Interior Karnataka from July 5 to July 7. During this window, districts such as Shivamogga, Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Mysuru, Bengaluru and neighbouring areas could face widespread heavy rain along with thunderstorms and gusty winds.
Yellow Alert for the Interior
A Yellow Alert covers South Interior Karnataka from July 1 to July 4 and North Interior Karnataka from July 1 to July 7. Across these regions, isolated places may record heavy rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.4 mm.
Even if the rain here is not as fierce as on the coast, prolonged spells could still trigger localised flooding, snarl traffic and cut down visibility.
How Much Rain Has Fallen
The latest figures confirm that Karnataka is firmly under active monsoon conditions. Ankola Hillur in Uttara Kannada logged the highest rainfall at 134.5 mm, while Golihole in Udupi received 112.5 mm. Karwar (Baad) recorded 110 mm, and both Varilavada in Uttara Kannada and Paduvari in Udupi clocked 107.5 mm.
Several stations across Mangaluru, Kundapura, Honnavar, Bantwal, Sirsi, Sagar, Shivamogga, Hassan and Yellapura also saw substantial rain of between 70 mm and 82 mm, deepening worries about waterlogging, flash floods and landslides in vulnerable pockets.
What People Should Do
Residents have been urged to stay indoors during intense spells and avoid travel unless it is absolutely necessary. The IMD wants people to keep track of official advisories and steer clear of flood-prone or landslide-prone areas when the rain is heavy. Commuters should plan their journeys carefully, while those living in vulnerable spots should be ready for possible disruptions to electricity, transport and essential services. Fishermen too have been told to be cautious, as rough seas are expected along the Karnataka coast.
