Bengaluru to Soon Witness Its Wettest May in Recorded History
Bengaluru is on track to experience its wettest May ever, with rainfall totals already nearing historic highs. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city has received over 27 cm of rain as of May 19, inching closer to breaking the previous record of 30.5 cm set in May 2023.
Record-Breaking Rainfall in Bengaluru
As of 8:30 AM on May 19, Bengaluru had recorded 24.6 cm of cumulative rainfall, with additional showers later that day pushing the total beyond 27 cm. The 1957 record of 28.7 cm was first surpassed in 2022 with 30 cm, and again in 2023 with 30.5 cm. However, this year’s relentless downpours suggest a new milestone is imminent.
Official at the Meteorological Centre, confirmed that the city could cross the 30-cm mark within two days, making May 2024 the wettest in recorded history.
Unprecedented Rainfall Trends
Since 2015, Bengaluru’s average May rainfall has been 128.7 mm (12.87 cm), excluding the record-breaking 2023 figure. The lowest rainfall in recent years was 13 cm in both 2020 and 2021, highlighting how extreme this year’s precipitation has been.
From March 1 to May 19, the Bengaluru City observatory recorded 290 mm (29 cm) of rain—172 mm above normal. The city’s annual rainfall total has already reached 30 cm, nearly one-third of the usual 98 cm expected in an entire year.
Airport Observatories Report Heavy Rainfall
- HAL Airport: 312 mm this season (200 mm above normal)
- Kempegowda International Airport (KIA): 282 mm (March–May 19)
What’s Causing the Extreme Rainfall?
Officials attributed the intense showers to an early monsoon-like circulation over the Bay of Bengal.
“Usually, we get this kind of rain after the monsoon onset. But this year, monsoon-like circulations arrived early,” they explained.
The IMD has forecast extreme rainfall (over 20 cm) for Tuesday and Wednesday across South Interior, North Interior, and Coastal Karnataka. After this system weakens, southwest monsoon winds are expected to strengthen.
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Temperature Outlook
Bengaluru’s maximum temperatures will hover around 27°C–28°C, while minimum temperatures will stay near 20°C until Wednesday.
Key Takeaways
- May 2024 could become Bengaluru’s wettest May ever
- IMD predicts crossing 30 cm rainfall within days
- Early monsoon-like conditions driving heavy downpours
- HAL and KIA airports report significantly above-normal rainfall
With more rain expected, Bengaluru residents should prepare for continued wet weather and potential disruptions.
