Light rain is likely in Bengaluru on Tuesday and Wednesday as the city experiences a noticeable dip in daytime temperatures, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). While minimum temperatures have remained above normal, the sharp fall in maximum temperatures has intensified the feeling of cold across the city.
The maximum temperature dropped to 24.5°C on Sunday and 25.1°C on Monday, around 5°C and 3.3°C below normal respectively. This unusual cooling is being linked to a cold wave prevailing over north India. Meanwhile, minimum temperatures stayed above normal at around 18°C over the past two days due to persistent cloud cover. The lowest temperature of 16.6°C on Monday was recorded in Yelahanka.
Light rainfall was recorded on Monday, with similar weather expected to continue through midweek. The IMD forecast indicates partly cloudy skies, with fog or mist likely during early morning hours in some areas. Daytime and nighttime temperatures are expected to hover around 26°C and 17°C respectively.
Bengaluru typically experiences its coldest winter conditions during the first two weeks of January. Over the past 15 years, the city has recorded January minimum temperatures between 12°C and 13°C on several occasions, mainly during this period. The lowest temperature ever recorded in Bengaluru was 7.8°C on January 13, 1884, according to IMD data.
This year, after a spell of above-normal temperatures in early January, the city saw cooler conditions during the second week. On January 7, Bengaluru recorded a minimum temperature of 14.9°C, while Yelahanka and HAL Airport logged lows of 12.7°C and 14.4°C respectively.
Makar Sankranti, observed in mid-January, traditionally marks the end of Bengaluru’s winter season and the gradual transition toward warmer weather.
