Bengaluru: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall across several parts of Karnataka as the southwest monsoon strengthens, prompting authorities to issue an Orange Alert for Uttara Kannada district and declare a holiday for schools in vulnerable areas.
As a precautionary measure, Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya has declared a holiday on Friday for Anganwadi centres, primary and high schools in Sirsi and Siddapur taluks in view of the heavy rain forecast.
According to the IMD, winds with speeds of 30-40 kmph are likely at isolated places in Uttara Kannada, while Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall.
The weather department has also predicted that rainfall will continue across the coastal districts of Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada on July 25. Wind speeds of 40-50 kmph are likely in parts of the southern interior districts, including Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru and Mysuru.
Several other districts, including Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Kodagu, Mandya, Hassan, Chamarajanagar, Tumakuru, Kolar and Chikkaballapur, are also likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall.
In north Karnataka, moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms has been forecast for Bagalkote, Belagavi, Bidar, Dharwad, Gadag, Kalaburagi, Raichur and Vijayapura, while Haveri, Koppal and Yadgir are also expected to receive rainfall.
Authorities have urged residents in rain-hit areas to remain alert and take necessary precautions. Fishermen and the general public have been advised to follow weather advisories issued by the IMD and local administration.
