Bengaluru entered the month of April still reeling from a dry March, defying the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast of surplus pre-monsoon showers across south-interior Karnataka.
The city, which was expected to receive substantial rainfall during the month, ended March with a deficit of 2.9mm. While the weather did not reach the extreme temperatures recorded in the summer of 2024, when the mercury nearly touched record highs, Bengaluru still experienced unusually high temperatures. However, the lack of sufficient rainfall during the month has intensified concerns over water scarcity and agricultural impacts in the region. According to meteorological officials, Bengaluru typically receives between 14.5mm and 20mm of rain in March, marking the start of the pre-monsoon season. Unfortunately, rainfall in both Bengaluru city and the IMD’s HAL observatory fell short of these averages. The city recorded only 11.8mm of rainfall, while HAL observed just 9.3mm. While parts of the northern region near Kempegowda International Airport did see slightly higher rainfall of up to 4cm, this could not compensate for the overall deficit. For the third consecutive month, Bengaluru has faced a rainfall shortfall, raising questions about the region’s shifting climate patterns.
Officials are hopeful that April and May will bring much-needed relief. The IMD has predicted that Bengaluru could see 30-40% more rainfall than usual during these months, a forecast that residents are eagerly awaiting. The promise of a wetter season, however, comes after a particularly dry start to the year, which left many wondering about the city’s preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season. While Bengaluru experienced a slight reprieve from last year’s extreme heatwave, temperatures still reached between 35°C and 36°C during March, well above the seasonal average. The temperature spike raised alarm, particularly when compared to the searing heat that gripped the region in 2024, when temperatures soared past 36°C. While the heat was not as intense as in the previous year, it served as a reminder of the increasing unpredictability of the region’s weather. Early in March, many areas across Karnataka, including Bengaluru, were placed under heatwave alerts due to the soaring temperatures, exacerbating concerns about climate change’s effects on urban life.
Meteorologists are now looking towards the end of the week, with forecasts predicting thunderstorms and thundershowers. The infusion of easterly-westerly troughs over peninsular India is expected to bring gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and lightning across Bengaluru and surrounding regions from Thursday through Sunday. The storms, while offering a potential break from the heat, also present the risk of localized flooding and damage from strong winds. These weather conditions, though unpredictable, are likely to alleviate some of the ongoing concerns about the water shortage caused by the dry spell.
The city’s weather challenges are not merely a matter of fluctuating temperatures and rainfall. These changes also have far-reaching implications for the city’s infrastructure, urban planning, and environmental sustainability. The increasing uncertainty of Bengaluru’s weather patterns calls for urgent attention to water conservation, climate resilience, and the reduction of urban heat islands through greener, eco-friendly urban design.
While Bengaluru hopes for a wetter April and May, the city’s response to these unpredictable climate shifts will define its future sustainability. As the city faces ongoing pressures from both climate change and rapid urbanization, it must continue to adapt to ensure the well-being of its residents.
Bengaluru Experiences Dry March Hopes for April Rain
