Towering convective clouds over Shri Guru Narasimha Temple, Saligrama

The Monsoon 2023 ended on disappointing note in coastal Karnataka. The August saw mighty deficit which scared the farming community of the region. People were only hopeful of upcoming insignificant monsoon i.e. North East Monsoon season to backup the deficit. The NE monsoon did not disappoint though. Even though not stronger, it was significant. After lousy August monsoon, the North-East Monsoon poured promisingly over our region. The large convective clouds like this are pouring considerable moisture in our region and thus keeping smile on water bodies. The extended rains are needed to sustain water bodies till next monsoon season outsets.

This one I captured during our short stay at Saligrama to buy essentials. The fiery deity Lord Narasimha was crowned by fiery convective clouds. This fiery clouds would have dissipated good amount of moisture during night hopefully. I did not check rein records on subsequent day though. Mesmerizing convective clouds coupled with green landscape is such a magnificent sight to behold.

Unprecedented November Thunderstorm

07 November 2023,

Its been unprecedented November here in Bengaluru. Surprise Thunderstorms due to instability in Arabian Sea driving clouds crazy. Its good news for rain deficient city which majorly relies on ground water. Due to poor monsoon in catchment areas, the river water share of Bengaluru is as well bleak. Hence only rain gods can help us from now onwards.

Yesterday we witnessed one of powerful rains of year lasting for 2-3hrs with high intensity. Perhaps, this spell would have added plenty of groundwater to city's surface if there were plans for rain water harvesting. Hopefully few lakes would have bloomed back with the consistent spell. Unfortunately most of the lakes underpinning the water needs of city are encroached by real estate mafia and city has little left.

Meanwhile, elated by powerful overnight deluge, today morning nature swagged up with deluge of colors. It was fabulous to behold this scene as always. The orange sheen spread throughout the tall buildings at the horizon with clean air was heart-warming to capture. Good thing was no edit needed to portray the beauty of clean nature.

The droplets glowing from golden light was pleasant to watch and capture!

There was surprise 180 degree rainbow with adjacent faint rainbow to make the morning more memorable.

A glimpse of thunderstorm to end!

Photo Blog - Brisk Showers

03 August 2023,

Monsoon is turning weird every year. This year its no different. The thunderstorm that were roaring during break monsoon last year are absconding this year. Thanks to steady monsoon winds, they are neither helping monsoon dominated regions nor helping thunderstorm development. Consequently both the regions are under deficient rains or high variance rains. Bengaluru city is no different! Unlike previous year, thunderstorms did not develop for couple of months this year. Also mild monsoon showers are no useful rather we need plenty of rains. August 2nd week seems to be hopeful but no clarity until it materializes. Lets hope for best!

Meanwhile as mentioned, mild monsoon conditions still prevail providing city with evening showers sparingly. Today was a bit different! The ominous clouds poured for 20mins drenching the ground with moisture. We were on a walk at nearby lake were taken aback for a while.

We saw the rain shaft while taking the first round.

But we made good judgement while heading for 2nd round of walk. First and foremost, we had an umbrella and 2nd was we were quick to retreat and head towards to main gate. The abandoned shop near the gate provided good shelter to protect us from pelting rains. We went home after rains completely cleared.

Before heading back, here is picture! The sky was as if "Inconvenience is regretted! Hope you had good time!"

Here are couple of clips. Second clip shows how blinding rains were!

Photo Blog - Morning pickings

Parijatha flower believed to be brought to earth by Lord Krishna from heavenly abode. We use them extensively to perform poojas and consider holy. In childhood days or whenever we stay at native, picking fallen flowers early morning or late evening is a daily routine. They are woven to form a nice garland which then ornate the deity with natural fragrance.

It is difficult to get such flowers in Bengaluru flooded with fake vegetation and concrete structures. On my jog towards corner of layout, I found couple of trees shedding fresh flowers over the main road. There were no pickers. It was easy for me to grab plenty and use for today's pooja. There were many more but I did not have a proper container to fill them. Looks like nobody uses them extensively here but question arises why is it grown in that case. Hopefully my pickings are not considered as stolen since they were spread on public road.

I found the Parijata tree almost every corner of nearby street. Till now count stands at 3. Its good to see people plant such divine trees when city is spread with weeds

Photo Blog - Unprecedented August

Bangalore had this unique trait in recent times from weather perspective. Whenever humidity escalates, clouds gather in sky culminating in quirky downpours. Even newspaper reported mostly negative parts of it, they had inherent unparalleled positive traits. They helped in calming down heat, reduced power consumption and increased ground water table.

This year August portrays stark contrast. No rains and High humidity. That unique trait is lost I feel. It's been high humid days but without rains. There are thick clouds all around but rains are tantalizing. It feels as if monsoon playing prank on the city!

Dampened Monsoon, Damp rest!

Thanks to debilitating monsoon, Bengaluru is witnessing scorching August. The street dogs resting over damp surface is perhaps testament to sweltering weather

Our apartment too is sourcing water from tankers. There is also news that tanker provider's water table also depleting. So not sure what is the future of Bangalore water supply in coming days. Its scary to visualize the summer water needs of city!

A colorful sunset to ward-off the negativities. But that does not reduce problem. It is high time that city thinks of its own solution for water scarcity than depending on external sources. Rejuvenation of lakes, rain water harvesting to new a few!