Bengaluru weather: IMD warns of thunderstorms and lightning as Dhanteras shopping rush raises traffic concerns

Bengaluru faces a thunderstorm and lightning warning on Friday, November 6, as residents step out for Dhanteras shopping. Rainwater has already slowed traffic in parts of east Bengaluru, while the IMD forecasts a relatively calmer Diwali Sunday.

Bengaluru residents may have to contend with rain and traffic disruptions on Friday, 6 November, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of thunderstorms and lightning across the city and several parts of Karnataka. The weather warning comes on Dhanteras, when markets, jewellery stores and shopping areas are expected to see increased footfall ahead of Diwali.

IMD issues thunderstorm warning, rain likely

The IMD's Bengaluru city forecast has predicted generally cloudy skies with light rain, alongside a warning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning. The department has forecast a minimum temperature of around 21 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius.

The warning is particularly relevant for people planning evening shopping trips, as even short spells of rain could affect road movement during the festive rush.

The IMD's forecast for South Interior Karnataka includes the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning and squalls. The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) has also indicated the possibility of scattered light to moderate rainfall across South Interior Karnataka, Coastal Karnataka and the Malnad region, with heavy rain possible at isolated places.

The weather activity is linked to the remnants of Cyclone Murasu, which crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast and subsequently weakened. However, a cyclonic circulation over east Telangana and adjoining coastal Andhra Pradesh continued to influence weather conditions across parts of southern India, according to the IMD's latest updates.

Rainfall is not expected to be uniform across Bengaluru, and residents may experience intermittent showers rather than continuous rain. Thunderstorms and lightning, however, could develop with limited notice.

Bengaluru traffic situation and Diwali weekend forecast

The impact of Friday's rain has already been visible on Bengaluru's roads. According to traffic updates reported by The Bengaluru Live, rainwater slowed vehicle movement at several locations in east Bengaluru on Friday afternoon.

Bengaluru Traffic Police reported slow movement from Hope Farm towards Belathur. Waterlogging was also reported near Mahadevapura Bridge, affecting traffic towards Police Station Road. Another advisory flagged waterlogging near Phoenix Mall, with vehicles moving slowly towards Lowry Junction.

Commuters heading towards these areas should account for possible delays, particularly during the evening shopping rush.

There is some relief in the forecast for the coming days. The IMD has predicted partly cloudy skies for Sunday, 8 November, which is Diwali, with no thunderstorm warning listed for the city. Saturday, 7 November, is expected to remain generally cloudy, with light rain possible at isolated places.

The IMD's forecast also indicates temperatures hovering around 19-21 degrees Celsius at night and reaching approximately 29-30 degrees Celsius during the day over the weekend.

Residents heading out for Dhanteras shopping are advised to keep track of local weather and traffic updates, particularly if travelling through areas that have reported waterlogging.

About the Author

Trisha Bhattacharya is a Senior Content Producer at Livemint, with over two years of experience covering entertainment news from India and beyond. She spends her days tracking what’s trending, breaking down pop culture moments, and turning fast-moving entertainment stories into sharp, engaging reads that actually make people want to click — and stay. <br> She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from Lucknow University, a background that shapes her love for layered narratives, strong voices, and stories that linger long after they’re told. Before joining Livemint, Trisha worked with India Today as an entertainment journalist and film critic. There, she reviewed films, covered industry news, and built a strong foundation in storytelling and cultural analysis. <br> Trisha enjoys working at the intersection of media, culture, and audience interest, always looking for fresh angles and formats. Films, shows, and music are not just her beat but her biggest passion — something that naturally reflects in her writing. Whether it’s cinema, streaming shows, music, or internet trends, she approaches every story with curiosity and intent. <br> Outside the job description, she’s unapologetically passionate about films, shows, and music — sometimes a little too passionate, if you ask her. That enthusiasm often spills into her work, adding personality, urgency, and a touch of chaos that keeps her writing alive. For Trisha, entertainment isn’t just a beat — it’s a language she speaks fluently.