Bengaluru residents received much-awaited respite from the intense March heat as heavy rainfall swept across the city on Saturday, March 22, 2025. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Bengaluru received 3.6 mm of rainfall between 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM, combined with thunderstorms and strong winds that changed the face of the city.
Unfortunately, the first rain of the season did not come without its share of troubles. Waterlogging and traffic disruptions plagued the city, with motorists facing severe congestion on key routes. As reported by Bengaluru Traffic Police, the Nagawara-Hebbal stretch was particularly affected due to standing water, leading officials to issue advisories urging caution among commuters.
Social media lit up as locals shared clips and images showing the streets turned rivers, trees swaying violently, and even the city's first rainbow of the year. One user described the sudden wet spell humorously as “Bengaluru being Bengaluru.”
Compounding the trouble, strong winds caused not just trees to sway but also branches to crash down, resulting in tragic incidents. Notably, a three-year-old girl lost her life due to a fallen tree in Pulakeshinagar, a situation that underscored the dangers that accompany the unpredictable weather. Hailstorms were also reported in the Hosakote area of Bengaluru Rural district, raising further concerns about safety.
The adverse weather conditions had repercussions beyond ground-level problems. The disruptions caused at Kempegowda International Airport were significant, with at least 19 flights being diverted to alternative routes due to poor visibility and hazardous conditions. This included 11 IndiGo flights, four Air India Express flights, two from Akasa and two Air India flights. Those affected were advised to check their flight statuses regularly.
Impressive rainfall was noted in several areas surrounding Bengaluru, triggering warnings for additional rain on March 22 and 23. Neighboring districts such as Chikkaballapur, Kolar, Tumakuru, Ramanagara, and Mandya were forecasted to face similar weather conditions, which raised concerns for residents who recently endured prolonged heat.
Observers noted that while the downpour brought much-needed coolness, it also highlighted the city's infrastructure issues. Bengaluru's drainage systems faced scrutiny again, as netizens echoed sentiments regarding the inept urban planning that often leaves the city's streets flooded at the first sign of rain. “One rain and 'Brand Bengaluru' has turned into 'Flood Bengaluru'! Maybe it's time to replace traffic signals with lighthouses,” remarked a social media user, alluding to the chaos in transport.
Civic authorities took notice of the situation. The Civil Defence Force reported approximately 30 uprooted trees and 48 fallen branches as emergency response teams worked continuously to clear debris and ensure public safety. Meanwhile, the Bengaluru Traffic Police maintained a vigilant presence, issuing advisories about alternate routes and preemptively monitoring congestion zones around the airport.
As of Sunday morning, the IMD warned residents to remain vigilant as light rain and thundershowers were expected to persist. Areas such as Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, Mysuru, Kodagu, Hassan, and Chamarajanagar were all likely to see continued downpours, while isolated showers could also affect places like Bidar and Raichur.
Indeed, the weather event serves as a stark reminder of Bengaluru’s vulnerability to sudden climate variations, illustrating the challenges faced by residents and authorities alike. Discussions on necessary improvements to the city’s drainage and emergency response systems are expected to take center stage in coming days. As the weather continues to change, so too will the conversations surrounding urban resilience in the face of nature's unpredictability.
