Bengaluru has smashed its all-time May rainfall record with four days still left in the month, reaching 307.9 mm by the morning of May 26. This breaks not only last year’s record of 305.4 mm but also surpasses a longstanding record from May 1957 of 280 mm, which had stood for more than six decades. With more rain expected, this total is likely to rise even further.
A notable pattern emerges from the data: four of Bengaluru’s five wettest Mays have happened within the last decade — 2025, 2023, 2022, and 2017 — signaling a sharp increase in pre-monsoon rainfall. The average May rainfall for Bengaluru, based on climatology from 1991 to 2020, is just 128.7 mm, meaning recent years have seen more than double the typical amount.
The pre-monsoon season from March 1 to May 26 has been exceptionally wet across Karnataka. Bengaluru Urban district alone recorded 340.6 mm, about 155 mm above normal. Similarly, South Interior Karnataka received 249.1 mm, almost double its normal 124.1 mm, while North Interior Karnataka’s 201.8 mm was nearly triple its usual 67.5 mm.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the arrival of the southwest monsoon in parts of Karnataka, including Bengaluru, on May 26. The IMD issued a red alert for Karnataka for May 26 and 27, warning of heavy rain and strong winds with expected wind speeds between 30 and 40 km/h. Bengaluru faces a rainy week ahead, with forecasts calling for cloudy skies, heavy rain, and thundershowers through May 29. Temperatures will stay mild, with highs between 25–27°C and lows around 19–20°C.
Flood Risk and City Preparedness
Bengaluru’s infrastructure is under strain from the relentless downpour. Of the 210 flood-prone or vulnerable locations identified by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), 166 have been addressed so far. Civic authorities are focused on clearing drains, managing lake water levels, and staying alert for fallen trees or damaged infrastructure. However, only 13 of the city’s 183 lakes have operational sluice gates, raising concerns about flood management readiness.
Situation Elsewhere in Karnataka
Heavy rains have also disrupted life in other parts of Karnataka, particularly in coastal districts like Dakshina Kannada. Fallen trees blocked roads, and floodwaters inundated low-lying areas in Mangaluru and Ullal taluk, damaging homes and threatening riverbank villages.
Seven houses were damaged in Dakshina Kannada (six in Mangaluru and one in Bantwal). Authorities have advised caution, especially warning parents to keep children indoors and urging people to avoid standing near trees or electrical poles during storms.
Tourists at Erugundi waterfall had to be rescued after sudden water surges trapped them on rocks, illustrating the unpredictable and dangerous nature of current weather.
A 25-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has been deployed to the Puttur area to assist amid worsening conditions. High alerts remain, especially for landslide-prone zones, with residents urged to relocate to safer areas. Fishing has been suspended and boats recalled as precautionary maritime safety measures. The New Mangalore Port Trust has allowed vessels to anchor for added security.
In essence, Bengaluru and much of Karnataka are experiencing an unusually intense and early monsoon, breaking records and placing pressure on infrastructure and emergency services. Authorities are actively working to mitigate flood risks and ensure public safety as the heavy rains continue.
