Bengaluru/Udupi, May 20: The pre-monsoon rain that lashed several parts of Karnataka, including the capital Bengaluru and coastal districts like Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, is expected to continue for the next four days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall across the state till May 24 and issued red alerts in multiple districts in view of the expected intensity.

The IMD has sounded a red alert for May 21 and 22 in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Belagavi, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Kodagu and Shivamogga districts. These regions are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning. Coastal and adjoining Malnad areas are especially vulnerable to intense showers during this period.

The department has also issued orange alerts for districts such as Haveri, Davanagere, Mysuru, Dharwad and Gadag, while yellow alerts have been announced for May 21 in places including Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Bagalkot, Koppal, Chikkaballapur, Chitradurga, Kolar, Ramanagara and Tumakuru. Each alert level corresponds to the likelihood and intensity of rainfall expected in the region. A red alert signals a high risk of extremely heavy rainfall that could disrupt daily life, while an orange alert points to moderately heavy rain, and a yellow alert denotes lighter showers.

According to the IMD, this weather pattern is expected to prevail until the southwest monsoon officially enters the state around June 5, marking the start of the monsoon season in Karnataka.

Meanwhile, the meteorological department has urged fishermen along the Karnataka coast to exercise caution, as strong winds with speeds reaching up to 55 kilometres per hour are expected. The advisory calls for vigilance while venturing into the sea, especially in light of the turbulent weather conditions.