Bengaluru Residents Brace For Sharp Temperature Drop After Brief Warm Weather Phase
Bengaluru is set to experience a notable dip in minimum temperatures this week, following a brief period of near-normal weather. The India Meteorological Department forecasts lows could reach 12.6 degrees Celsius by Wednesday, nearly four degrees below the 15-year December average. After a short reprieve earlier in the week, colder nights are expected to persist through Thursday, reflecting the lingering influence of North Karnataka’s cold-wave conditions and highlighting the city’s increasing winter variability.
The city experienced a chillier start to the week, with both old and new Bengaluru airport regions recording temperatures around 12 degrees Celsius on Sunday. Meanwhile, the main urban areas saw readings approximately 14.2 degrees Celsius, significantly below the long-term December average. North Karnataka’s cold-wave conditions have extended southwards, affecting districts such as Belagavi, Dharwad, Shivamogga, and Hassan, where minimum temperatures ranged from 10 to 12.8 degrees Celsius. Other regions, including Mysuru, Mandya, and Koppal, recorded slightly higher lows of 13 to 15.1 degrees Celsius.Monday saw a temporary rise in temperatures, bringing the city closer to seasonal norms. Bengaluru city reported a minimum of 16.4 degrees Celsius, while Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL) and HAL Airport logged 15.4 and 15.5 degrees Celsius respectively. Overcast conditions on Tuesday maintained this near-normal pattern, but forecasts indicate the return of colder nights by midweek, with maximum temperatures stabilising around 27 degrees Celsius.
An official from the IMD noted, “The temperature trend reflects residual cold-wave effects from northern regions. Residents should expect cooler nights, especially in areas with limited green cover or dense concrete structures.” Urban climate specialists highlight that such rapid swings in winter temperatures can impact energy consumption, urban microclimates, and public comfort, underlining the need for climate-sensitive urban planning.Historically, Bengaluru’s December mean minimum over the past 15 years is 16.4 degrees Celsius. The lowest recorded December temperature was 12.8 degrees Celsius in 2011, while the city’s all-time minimum stands at 7.8 degrees Celsius, recorded in January 1884. Experts suggest that such extreme variations, while infrequent, underline the importance of sustainable urban design, including energy-efficient housing, expanded green cover, and climate-resilient infrastructure, to mitigate the impacts of sudden cold or heat events.
For residents, the short-term forecast serves as both a reminder of Bengaluru’s fluctuating winter patterns and an impetus for planners to integrate adaptive measures into city design. Initiatives that enhance urban cooling, increase tree cover, and promote sustainable housing could help cities better withstand unexpected weather extremes while supporting citizen well-being.
