Monsoon Gains Strength in Karnataka as IMD Issues Red Alerts, Signals Further Advance Towards Andhra Pradesh

The southwest monsoon has strengthened further over Karnataka, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing multiple red alerts across coastal and Malnad districts amid forecasts of extremely heavy rainfall over the next few days. Weather officials have also indicated that the system has already advanced into parts of southern India and is likely to reach Andhra Pradesh within the coming days .

According to the IMD Bengaluru centre, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi will remain under a red alert on Monday , with very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall expected along the coastal belt.

On Tuesday, the alert expands to five districts, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga, as monsoon activity intensifies under favourable atmospheric conditions.

For Wednesday, seven districts, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Belagavi, Dharwad and Haveri are under red alert, indicating continued heavy rainfall over coastal and interior Karnataka.

The IMD said the warnings remain valid for 24 hours from 8.30 am on each respective day. A red alert indicates the possibility of rainfall exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours , with isolated pockets expected to receive the highest intensity.

Meteorologists attributed the intense monsoon activity to an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the east-central Arabian Sea and an east-west trough across coastal Karnataka , both of which are strengthening moisture inflow and driving widespread rain across the region.

Latest forecasts indicate that extremely heavy rainfall is likely in coastal Karnataka on June 8 and 9 , with continued heavy showers expected through midweek. The IMD has also warned of thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds of 50–60 kmph , and rough sea conditions along the Karnataka coast.

Authorities have issued a fishermen advisory , warning against venturing into the Arabian Sea due to dangerous sea conditions and strong winds.

The weather department has forecast widespread rainfall across Karnataka until at least June 13 , with possible flooding, waterlogging, and disruption in low-lying areas and hilly regions.