Bengaluru residents are advised to prepare for a distinct chill as winter conditions intensify across Karnataka. While the state's North Interior regions, including districts like Bidar, Vijayapura, and Belagavi, are under alert for a significant cold wave with minimum temperatures plummeting, the capital city itself will experience a notable drop in mercury, particularly during the nighttime and early morning hours. This winter grip is largely attributed to clear skies and the movement of continental air masses following the dissipation of recent cyclonic disturbances.
1. Bengaluru's Immediate Forecast: Fog and Cooler Nights
For the next three days (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday), the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts mostly clear to scattered cloudy skies over Bengaluru. The maximum temperatures are expected to hover around a comfortable 27 C to 28 C, but the minimum temperatures will drop, settling around 14 C to 15 C. These cooler mornings will likely be accompanied by fog and mist in several areas, affecting visibility for early commuters.2 The IMD forecast suggests the city has transitioned back to a typical winter pattern, with the significant difference between day and night temperatures becoming more pronounced.
2. Limited Rainfall Expected in Bengaluru
Contrary to the expectation of winter showers, the forecast for Bengaluru indicates a largely dry spell for the upcoming three days. While cyclonic systems in the Bay of Bengal can often cause spill-over light rain in the city, current models show a low chance of precipitation. Any previous rainfall experienced was linked to the passing of systems like Cyclone 'Ditwah'. Residents should expect cool, dry conditions with a need for warm clothing, especially for early morning and late-night travel.
3. Karnataka Cold Wave Warning for North Interior Districts
The most severe weather will be concentrated in North Interior Karnataka (NIK). Districts such as Belagavi, Bagalkot, Bidar, Vijayapura, and Kalaburagi are under an alert for Cold Wave Conditions. Here, the minimum temperatures are expected to fall significantly below normal, potentially dropping by up to five degrees below the average seasonal low. Residents in NIK are advised to take extra precautions against the biting cold, which often leads to dense fog and reduced visibility.
4. Precautions and Advisory for Residents
The IMD advises residents across Karnataka, particularly those in the colder northern pockets, to take precautionary measures. People are encouraged to wear warm layers, limit outdoor exposure during the peak cold hours of the early morning, and ensure the elderly and children are adequately protected. The persistent fog in the mornings necessitates cautious driving, particularly on highways and major roads, as visibility will be significantly reduced.
