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Weather
IMD warns of thunderstorms and lightning in Bengaluru as Dhanteras shopping traffic spikes
✍️ Livemint
🗓 07 Nov 2026, 07:09 AM
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The India Meteorological Department has issued a thunderstorm and lightning warning for Bengaluru, citing increased traffic congestion due to the Dhanteras shopping rush.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Bengaluru under a thunderstorm and lightning advisory as the city prepares for the Dhanteras shopping surge. Meteorologists noted that the convergence of high humidity, warm temperatures and an approaching low-pressure system could trigger intense convective activity in the early evening.
City traffic officials have warned that the influx of shoppers heading to markets and malls is likely to exacerbate congestion on major arteries such as the Outer Ring Road and Mysore Road. The combined effect of heavy traffic and potential lightning poses safety challenges for pedestrians and commuters.
The IMD has recommended that residents avoid non-essential travel after sunset, keep windows and doors closed during storms, and stay tuned to local bulletins for real‑time updates. Emergency services are on standby to respond to any lightning‑related incidents or traffic accidents.
Authorities are also coordinating with municipal bodies to deploy additional traffic police and clear bottlenecks near popular shopping districts. Shoppers are urged to follow traffic signals, use designated parking areas, and remain vigilant for sudden weather changes.
The warning remains in force until further notice, and the IMD will issue a follow‑up advisory if conditions improve or deteriorate.
City traffic officials have warned that the influx of shoppers heading to markets and malls is likely to exacerbate congestion on major arteries such as the Outer Ring Road and Mysore Road. The combined effect of heavy traffic and potential lightning poses safety challenges for pedestrians and commuters.
The IMD has recommended that residents avoid non-essential travel after sunset, keep windows and doors closed during storms, and stay tuned to local bulletins for real‑time updates. Emergency services are on standby to respond to any lightning‑related incidents or traffic accidents.
Authorities are also coordinating with municipal bodies to deploy additional traffic police and clear bottlenecks near popular shopping districts. Shoppers are urged to follow traffic signals, use designated parking areas, and remain vigilant for sudden weather changes.
The warning remains in force until further notice, and the IMD will issue a follow‑up advisory if conditions improve or deteriorate.