Bengaluru sees wettest May in history, and month isn't even over yet
Bengaluru smashed its all-time May rainfall record with four days still remaining in the month. As of 6 a.m. on May 26, the city had recorded 307.9 mm of rainfall, breaking 2023's record of 305.4 mm.This May rainfall not only breaks the 2023 record high, the latest figure also overtakes an older record of 280 mm from May 1957, which had remained unbeaten for over six decades until the year before last. With four days remaining in the month, rainfall totals may increase further.advertisementThe sharp increase highlights a clear trend: Of Bengaluru's five wettest Mays on record, four have occurred in the last ten years: 2025 (307.9 mm), 2023 (305.4 mm), 2022 (270.4 mm), and 2017 (241.9 mm). The normal average rainfall for May, based on IMD climatological data from 1991 to 2020, is 128.7 mm — indicating that this past decade's rainfall is more than double the typical monthly average.
The pre-monsoon season, running from March 1 to May 26, has been particularly wet across Karnataka. Bengaluru Urban district alone has recorded 340.6 mm: a massive departure of 155 mm from the seasonal norm.South Interior Karnataka, which includes Bengaluru, received 249.1 mm against a normal of 124.1 mm, while North Interior Karnataka recorded 201.8 mm — nearly triple its usual share of 67.5 mm.EARLY MONSOON ARRIVALadvertisementOn Monday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the arrival of the southwest monsoon in parts of Karnataka, including Bengaluru. The IMD bulletin stated that the monsoon had advanced into additional parts of the central Arabian Sea, Maharashtra, Karnataka and other regions.The IMD has issued a red alert for Karnataka for May 26 and 27, warning of heavy rainfall and strong winds. Bengaluru is expected to experience a rainy week, with predictions of generally cloudy skies, heavy rainfall, and thundershowers from May 25 to 29. Wind speeds during this period may range from 30 to 40 kmph.Daytime temperatures are forecast to remain between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius, while night-time temperatures are expected to range between 19 and 20 degrees Celsius.FLOOD-PRONE CITY ON EDGEBengaluru's infrastructure is already buckling under the relentless rain. Of the 210 vulnerable spots identified by the city's civic body, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), 166 have been mitigated, sources said. Civic officials have been instructed to intensify cleaning of drains, lower lake water levels to prevent overflow, and remain on high alert for fallen trees and hazardous infrastructure.Out of 183 lakes in the city, only 13 have operational sluice gates, prompting urgent directives to increase readiness for potential flash floods.STATEWIDE PREPAREDNESS & IMPACTadvertisementElsewhere in Karnataka, heavy rains caused disruption, particularly in coastal and interior regions. In Dakshina Kannada's Mangaluru, roads were blocked due to fallen trees, and floodwaters inundated several low-lying areas. Ullal taluk reported damaged homes and flooded riverbank villages.Seven houses were reportedly damaged across Dakshina Kannada — six in Mangaluru and one in Bantwal. Authorities have advised parents to keep children indoors and urged the public to avoid standing under trees or near electrical poles during storms.Heavy rainfall continued to batter Dakshina Kannada district, triggering a surge at local waterfalls. Tourists at Erugundi waterfall in the area had to be rescued after getting trapped on rocks due to a sudden rise in water levels.A 25-member NDRF team arrived in Puttur area on Monday to assist with emergencies amid worsening weather. High alerts were in place, especially in landslide-prone areas, with residents urged to move to safer zones. Fishing was suspended, boats recalled, and the New Mangalore Port Trust has allowed vessels to anchor to ensure maritime safety. Must Watch
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