Severe Weather Alert: Hailstorms Strike Karnataka

The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for thunderstorms and hail in parts of Karnataka. Wind speeds may reach up to 61 kmph. Viral videos show locals collecting hail, mistaken for 'ice cubes'. Notable rainfall and fluctuating temperatures have been recorded across the region.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, warning of thunderstorms with hail in select regions of Karnataka, including Uttara Kannada, Dharwad, and Shivamogga. The alert is expected to last for three hours on Tuesday, with wind gusts predicted to reach speeds of up to 61 kmph.

Amidst these weather warnings, a video from Padiyani near Yemmemadu in Kodagu district has caught the attention of social media users. The footage shows residents gathering what they initially thought were ice cubes but were actually pieces of hail that fell during the storm.

Rainfall data recorded by the IMD between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm on March 25 shows Gadag receiving the highest precipitation of 17.6 mm, while Dharwad, Davanagere, and Karwar experienced varying degrees of rainfall. Meanwhile, temperature highs were recorded across the state, with Kalaburagi at 38.6°C and Bengaluru ranging from 33.3°C to 34.8°C.

(With inputs from agencies.)