Bengaluru, the garden city, is still reeling under severe summer heat as its temperature soared to about 36.5 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, about 2.3 degrees above the normal average for mid-April. The levels of mercury are too steep to allow residents to weather it, with relief probably at least one week ahead.
Bengaluru and surrounding regions are in the thick of something that is set to continue due to clear skies and the highest temperatures for the coming four days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The lack of cloud cover is adding to an almost constant increase in daytime weather, as well as at night. Its critical condition is even stronger, as temperature measurements from key monitoring stations have shown. At Kempegowda International Airport, the peak temperature was 36.8°C, while at HAL Airport, the peak temperature was 36.4°C. Both numbers are 2 to 3 degrees above seasonal averages.
IMD researcher C S Patil has cautioned that heat intensity is expected to rise in the next week. "Temperatures in Bengaluru are likely to stay between 36°C and 37°C," he said. He also mentioned that coastal and northern sections of Karnataka could experience significantly more extreme weather, between 40°C and 42°C.
The unusual temperature increases can be explained by a strong anti-cyclonic circulation pattern over central India, limiting cloud cover and rainfall. These weather conditions aren’t just creating heat during the day; they’ll also keep ambient temperatures higher at night, limiting relief.
Several districts in Karnataka are already experiencing widespread heatwaves. Kalaburagi recorded a temperature maximum of 41.7°C, Bidar 41.6°C and Raichur 41.4°C. These numbers reflect the worst parts of northern Karnataka suffering the heatwave. Meanwhile, the IMD has issued alerts to coastal areas like Udupi and Dakshina Kannada, warning of hot and humid weather for the next five days.
The heat plus humidity is projected to be uncomfortable, especially in coastal belts. Some parts of the state have received sporadic rain, even in the heat. Within the 24 hours before Monday morning, Dharwad has experienced 12.6 mm of rain, and Shivamogga has received 8.8 mm.
It seems that areas like Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu and Hassan will face light rain along with thunderstorms and 30–40 km/h gusty winds in the immediate term while Bengaluru will surely be in dry weather for the entire week. The authorities warned residents to hydrate, avoid extended sun exposure and take precautions when exposed to strong sun in the afternoon.
