A sudden and intense hailstorm swept across parts of Bengaluru, catching residents off guard and briefly transforming sections of the city into icy landscapes.
The impact was most striking at the Kanteerava Stadium, where the ground was covered with a thick layer of hailstones, creating an unusual white blanket rarely seen in the city.
Visuals shared by residents showed streets, parks and open areas coated in ice pellets, as the storm brought a dramatic shift from the prevailing heat. Despite the intensity of the hail, no major damage or injuries have been reported so far.
The sudden weather event comes amid a prolonged spell of above-normal temperatures across Karnataka. While Bengaluru is typically known for its moderate climate, the city has been experiencing warmer-than-usual conditions this April.
Temperatures recently touched 36.8°C at Kempegowda International Airport and 36.2°C in the city, around 2–4°C higher than the seasonal average.
Across the state, the situation has been more severe. Several parts of northwestern, central and northern Karnataka have recorded temperatures in the mid-40s Celsius, with some regions crossing 46°C earlier this month.
Dry weather, clear skies and hot winds have further intensified the heat, increasing electricity demand and affecting daily life.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the hailstorm marks the beginning of a shift in weather patterns as pre-monsoon activity picks up.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds across parts of Karnataka, including Bengaluru, from April 29 onwards.
Forecasts suggest that moderate to heavy thundershowers will spread across the city, with rainfall likely to occur over a span of three to four hours. These systems are expected to bring temporary relief from the heat, though they may also be accompanied by lightning and strong winds.
Meteorologists say such sudden storms are typical during the pre-monsoon period, when rising temperatures create atmospheric instability. While they offer a cooling effect, they can also lead to abrupt and sometimes intense weather events like hailstorms.
For now, Bengaluru residents are witnessing a rare break from the heat, but with more thunderstorms on the horizon, the city may be in for a dynamic and unpredictable weather phase in the coming days.
(With inputs from Nagarjun Dwarakanath)
