Bengaluru weather: IMD warns of thunderstorms and lightning as Dhanteras shopping rush raises traffic concerns

Residents of Bengaluru may face rain and traffic disruptions on Friday, 6 November as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather warning for thunderstorms and lightning across the city and parts of Karnataka. The warning is significant for Dhanteras, the shopping day ahead of Diwali, with markets expecting heavy footfall.

The IMD's forecast predicts generally cloudy skies with light rain, accompanied by a chance of thunderstorms and lightning. Temperatures are expected to range from around 21 degrees Celsius at night to 30 degrees Celsius during the day. This weather activity is attributed to the remnants of Cyclone Murasu, which weakened after crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast.

Bengaluru Traffic Police have reported slow movement on roads due to rainwater, with waterlogging visible near Mahadevapura Bridge and Phoenix Mall. Commuters should anticipate possible delays, especially during the evening shopping rush. While rainfall is not expected to be uniform, thunderstorms and lightning could develop with little warning.

However, the IMD predicts partly cloudy skies for Sunday, 8 November, without a thunderstorm warning. Saturday, 7 November remains generally cloudy with possible light rain. For those shopping on Dhanteras, it is advised to monitor local weather and traffic updates, particularly in areas with waterlogging.