Bengaluru hit by hailstorms again, rain brings heat relief

Bengaluru: Hailstorms and thundershowers continued to lash parts of Bengaluru for the second consecutive day Wednesday, providing much-needed relief from the sweltering heat that has gripped the city in recent weeks. The sudden change in weather, accompanied by gusty winds and brief but intense bursts of rain, brought a noticeable drop in daytime temperatures, offering respite to residents. Strong winds and thundershowers also disrupted air travel, with 26 flights diverted at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).Several localities, including Byappanahalli, Bannerghatta Road, Kanakapura Road, JP Nagar, Shanthinagar, Jayanagar, KR Market, Wilson Garden, Richmond Town, Basaveshwara Nagar and Tumakuru Road, witnessed heavy thundershower. While hailstones fell in parts of East and South Bengaluru for a brief period, rain and thunder activity persisted in many areas until late evening. Traffic near Nelamangala on Tumakuru Road was affected after a huge signboard fell across the highway.The unexpected showers caught citizens off guard, especially those engaged in festive shopping across busy hubs such as the Central Business District (CBD), Shivajinagar, Commercial Street, Chickpet and KR Market. The downpour disrupted traffic movement on major roads, with waterlogging in several stretches worsening congestion. Many people travelling out of the city to their hometowns for Ugadi festival were stranded in traffic snarls caused by inundated roads.The India meteorological department (IMD) has forecast continued thundershowers in isolated parts of Bengaluru over the next few days, along with the possibility of strong winds. Officials have urged residents to exercise caution, especially during the evening hours when such weather activity is expected to intensify. CS Patil, scientist at IMD, Bengaluru, said: "There is a north-south trough extending over interiors of Karnataka besides discontinuity of winds. This apart, all districts have reported scorching heat over the past few days, resulting in intense hailstorms at isolated places of north and south-interior Karnataka districts."