Bengaluru Weather: Cloudy Spell to Clear, But Chilly Winds to Continue
The persistent dense cloud cover and scattered rainfall that have shrouded Bengaluru over the past two days are forecast to ease significantly by Wednesday, bringing brighter and sunnier conditions to the city. However, residents should brace for continued chilly weather, as the wind-chill effect is expected to persist until the end of January due to strong easterly winds, according to meteorologists from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Easterly Wave Drives Wet and Cold Conditions
Scientists at the IMD attribute the recent wet and cold spell over Bengaluru and parts of south-interior Karnataka to an easterly wave moving across the southwest Bay of Bengal. While the cloud cover and rainfall are likely to recede, the wind chill is set to remain a prominent feature of the local weather pattern.
CS Patil, a scientist at IMD Bengaluru, explained, "With strong easterlies sweeping across the peninsular region, parts of Tamil Nadu and south-interior Karnataka have experienced light to moderate rainfall since Sunday." He further noted that these easterlies, which are part of the retreating monsoon, are transporting increased moisture from the Bay of Bengal due to a sudden drop in atmospheric pressure.
These winds, combined with cloud formation, have resulted in moderate rainfall over Tamil Nadu and intermittent showers in various parts of Bengaluru and its adjoining districts.
Rainfall Impact and Temperature Trends
Several areas within Bengaluru's Central Business District, as well as parts of the south and west regions, received light to moderate rainfall on Monday. This precipitation was accompanied by a noticeable drop in temperatures, adding to the overall chilly ambiance.
Patil indicated that weather conditions are anticipated to clear from Wednesday onwards. "The cloudy weather will gradually give way to sunny days, and the maximum temperature is likely to rise by 2–3 degrees Celsius above normal," he stated, offering a glimmer of warmth for the city's inhabitants.
Persistent Wind-Chill Effect Through January
Despite the expected clearing of clouds and rise in daytime temperatures, Patil cautioned that cold conditions are likely to endure. "Even though minimum temperatures are hovering around 18–19 degrees Celsius, strong easterly winds from the northeast are expected to intensify the wind-chill effect," he elaborated.
This phenomenon will result in chilly evenings and nights in Bengaluru, with the wind-chill effect projected to last until the end of January. Residents are advised to prepare for cooler nighttime conditions despite the anticipated daytime sunshine.
The IMD's forecast underscores a transitional weather phase for Bengaluru, where improving visibility and sunlight will be counterbalanced by persistent chilly winds, shaping the city's climate well into the final weeks of the month.
