Strong, gusty winds sweep City, KIA alerted

Chill, gusty winds, blowing at the speed of 50-60 kmph, have been sending shivers for City residents. In fact, warnings have been issued to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), HAL airport and VIPs who use helicopters or light aircraft. 

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) officials say that the City is experiencing this high wind speed as rain bearing clouds were drifting away.This phenomenon will continue until the next fortnight, officials add.

Warnings have been issued to fishermen, farmers, locals and aviation companies. The IMD has also been sending alerts every four hours to the KIA and HAL airport authorities. VIPs flying in private helicopters have also been alerted.

“The changing winds will affect aircraft while landing and taking off. It is also important for Dornier aircrafts. The department is also gearing up to set up a dedicated research centre to analyse and study wind speed and patterns,” L Ramesh Babu, director in-charge, IMD- Bengaluru, said.

Though this is common during south west monsoon months- from June to September- the winds are stronger and cooler this time because of which the clouds are drifting away, he said.

There is a trough at Arabian Sea from Gujarat to north Kerala coast across Konkan Goa and Karnataka coast. It is also because of this that the winds which are blowing are strong and cool but not bringing rains, he added. 

The maximum wind speed of 64 kmph was recorded at HAL airport on June 21. Wind speed has been gradually increasing since the last few days in the City. On June 17, maximum wind speed of 38 kmph was recorded on June 18.

Wind speed was 43 kmph on June 19, 46kmph on June 20, 44kmph on June 21, 52kmph on June 22.