Bangalore, Jun 3 (IANS): Heavy rains lashed Bangalore late Monday after a hot day, throwing normal life out of gear and causing huge traffic jams across the city due to evening rush hour and congestion on many arterial roads.

According to the weather office, the city received 20 to 30mm rainfall in two hours from 6.30 p.m., inundating low-laying areas and heavy winds uprooted trees in many residential areas.

"Sudden development of clouds and strong winds accompanied by thundershowers caused rains, which are part of pre-monsoon weather. Intermittent rains and gusty winds will continue to prevail in the city over the next 48 hours," a weather official told IANS.

Being the first working day of the week, heavy vehicular traffic during the evening rush hour resulted in grid lock on many thoroughfares, even as office-goers and shoppers ran for cover to avoid getting drenched in the downpour.

"Though south-west monsoon is yet to hit the state, conditions are favourable for pre-monsoon showers over the next two-three days in the city and across the south interior areas of the state," the official said.

With traffic signals going haywire and power supply disrupted, hundreds of vehicles were stranded at main junctions, cross roads and ring roads as rain water gushed out of open drains and blocked sewers.