Bengaluru is under a heat spell in the middle of the monsoon season, which isn't normal in September, when its skies are cloudy, it rains, and it's very pleasant out there. The city has reached a maximum temperature of 31.7 degrees Celsius in the past week, a remarkable increase for the month and back above 30 degrees Celsius after almost three years.
C.S. Patil, a weather expert, said the reduction in rainfall and cloud cover is one of the main reasons for the rise in temperatures in Bengaluru. With fewer clouds blocking the sun's rays, more solar radiation is reaching the surface, leading to warmer daytime conditions. The weather pattern has shifted from being consistently cool and rainy to a combination of sunshine and occasional cloud cover.
The maximum temperature of 31.7 degrees Celsius recorded in Bengaluru was notable as September temperatures had been relatively mild over the past few years. In September 2023, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 32.6 degrees Celsius. Now, after a three-year gap, Bengaluru has once again hit 30 degrees Celsius this September, with a temperature of 31.7 degrees Celsius.
C.S. Patil, a weather expert, said the situation could get warmer in the next few days, with Bengaluru's maximum temperature perhaps rising to about 33 degrees Celsius. That would be quite high for the month, especially when the city is still technically in the southwest monsoon period.
The lack of rainfall and cloud cover has been an important factor in the current weather conditions. When there is a lot of rain and dense cloud cover, the sunlight reaching the ground is limited, which generally keeps daytime temperatures under control. However, when rainfall activity decreases and the sky is clear for longer periods, temperatures rise quickly.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has also predicted a maximum temperature of around 32 degrees Celsius to be reached in Bengaluru. Residents could still experience partly cloudy weather with periods of strong sunshine over the coming days.
The current weather pattern is expected to continue at least until around September 16, with partly cloudy skies and warmer daytime temperatures likely to be present in Bengaluru. While isolated rainfall cannot be ruled out, the overall reduction in rain and cloud cover could keep temperatures elevated during the day.
The unusual heat is not only in Bengaluru. Several other parts of Karnataka could also see a rise in temperatures. South Interior Karnataka and parts of Kalaburagi, Udupi, and Mangaluru could see warmer weather in the coming days. The combination of reduced rainfall and increased sunshine is affecting the weather in many parts of the country.
In fact, that has caused a stark contrast for residents. September is typically a month in which Bengaluru sees periodic rain and cloudy skies, and cooler nights as a part of the routine. Now a lot of people are experiencing visible daytime heat. The weather has changed from carrying umbrellas and wearing jackets to seeking relief from the daytime heat.
We are also citing El Niño as one of the factors that can cause changes in atmospheric and weather conditions. Local weather conditions are affected by the distribution of rainfall and cloud cover, wind patterns, and atmospheric circulation, and broader climate patterns can influence temperature trends as well.
Bengaluru residents could get a mix of partly cloudy skies and warmer afternoons in the next few days. People will need to be ready for sudden changes, since rain and sunshine can be part and parcel during monsoon season.
The rise to 31.7 degrees Celsius is a reminder that monsoon conditions do not necessarily mean cool weather. With temperatures possibly moving towards 33 degrees Celsius, Bengaluru could experience another spell of unusual September heat before weather conditions change again.
For now, residents can expect warmer afternoons, partly cloudy skies, and limited rainfall activity, especially when cloud cover decreases. Weather conditions will be closely watched as Karnataka continues to experience an uneven monsoon pattern and Bengaluru enters the second half of September.
