Orange Alert Extended for Karnataka's Coast Through July 2 as Heavy Monsoon Rains Flood Gokarna Temple; Bengaluru AQI Hits 'Good'

Bengaluru, June 30: Karnataka's monsoon has gathered intensity, bringing heavy rains to coastal and Malenadu regions over the past several days, while the rest of the state continues to grapple with a significant rainfall shortfall.

Orange Alert for Coastal Districts Until July 2

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared an orange alert for Karnataka's three coastal districts — Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada — valid through July 2. Heavy to very heavy rain is expected in isolated locations across all three districts, accompanied by sustained winds of 30–40 km/h. Orange alerts have also been extended for several other parts of the state until July 5.

Uttara Kannada has borne the brunt of the downpours. Three consecutive days of non-stop rain have caused widespread disruption — roads have turned into rivers, and floodwaters entered the inner sanctum of the famous Gokarna temple. District Collector Lakshmipriaya has issued a strict advisory urging residents and tourists to stay away from riverbanks and seashores.

No alert has been issued for Bengaluru city, where light drizzle was reported around Corporation, Town Hall, and KR Market.

Forecast for the Next Seven Days

Coastal Karnataka: Heavy and very heavy rain with winds of 30–40 km/h.

Malenadu (Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru): Heavy rain with gusty winds of 30–40 km/h.

North Interior districts (Bagalkote, Belagavi, Bidar, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Kalaburagi, Koppal, Raichur, Vijayapura, Yadagiri): Light to moderate rain; strong winds of 40–50 km/h during showers — caution advised.

South Interior and remaining districts (Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Ballari, Chamarajanagar, Chikkaballapur, Chitradurga, Davangere, Hassan, Kodagu, Kolar, Mandya, Mysuru, Ramanagara, Tumakuru, Vijayanagara): Light to moderate rain likely. Statewide thunder and lightning are possible throughout the seven-day outlook.

Bengaluru's AQI Turns 'Good'

The monsoon's arrival has brought a welcome improvement in air quality. Bengaluru's Air Quality Index (AQI) is averaging 29–60 across the city on June 30 — the best reading of the season so far, according to the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.

• Adarsh Palm Retreat: AQI 22 (Excellent)
• Basavanagudi & Jayanagar: AQI 33–50 (Good)
• BTM Layout: AQI 50–60 (Moderate — minor caution only for those with respiratory sensitivities)
• Anand Rao Circle & Hebbal: AQI 55 (Moderate)

Monsoon winds have dispersed particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) from traffic and industrial sources, making outdoor activity safe across most of the city. Conditions are especially clean in coastal cities — Mangaluru and Udupi recorded AQI below 25. Yadagiri and Chikkaballapur have the state's lowest pollution levels (AQI 17 and 23 respectively). Mysuru and Hubballi are fully in the safe zone at 35–45.

June Ends with a 43% Rainfall Deficit

Despite the recent spell, Karnataka ends June with a significant shortfall. The state meteorology department released district-wise data showing an overall 43% deficit against the June normal:

• Coastal Karnataka: 46% deficit
• South Interior: 50% deficit (worst affected region)
• North Interior: 24% deficit

District-wise deficit highlights:

District	Deficit
Shivamogga	72%
Vijayanagara	69%
Kodagu	63%
Haveri	61%
Mysuru	58%
Chikkamagaluru	56%
Davangere	55%
Dakshina Kannada	54%
Hassan	54%
Kalaburagi	48%
Udupi	50%
Bidar	35%
Dharwad	36%
Uttara Kannada	39%
Belagavi	20%
Koppal	25%
Bengaluru Urban	21%

City Temperature Forecast for June 30

City	Max °C	Min °C
Bengaluru	28	22
Mangaluru	27	25
Shivamogga	26	22
Belagavi	24	22
Mysuru	27	22
Mandya	28	22
Madikeri	23	20
Ramanagara	28	22
Hassan	24	21
Chamarajanagar	28	23
Chikkaballapur	28	21
Kolar	28	22
Tumakuru	28	22
Udupi	27	25
Karwar	28	27
Chikkamagaluru	22	19
Davangere	27	23
Hubballi	26	22
Chitradurga	27	22
Haveri	27	23
Ballari	31	24
Gadag	29	22
Koppal	29	23
Raichur	33	25
Yadagiri	32	25
Vijayapura	30	24
Kalaburagi	31	24
Bagalkote	29	24

Residents are urged to follow IMD guidelines and stay alert, particularly in coastal and Malenadu areas where conditions remain hazardous.