Bengaluru Experiences Unseasonal Chill as Temperatures Drop Sharply
Bengaluru residents woke up to unusually cold weather on Thursday as the city recorded temperatures significantly below normal levels. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a sharp dip in both minimum and maximum temperatures, with the mercury dropping to 16.1°C at the lowest point and reaching only 25.2°C at its peak.
This represents a substantial deviation from normal November patterns, with temperatures falling 1.1°C below normal for minimum and 2.2°C below normal for maximum temperatures. The sudden chill has taken many Bengalureans by surprise, prompting them to dig out winter clothing much earlier than usual.
Cyclonic System Behind the Temperature Plunge
The dramatic weather change stems from a deep depression developing over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjacent Sri Lanka coast. Weather experts indicate this system is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm and make landfall on the east coast, subsequently affecting weather patterns across south interior Karnataka.
According to IMD forecasts, the weather phenomenon is likely to bring heavy rainfall to several districts including Bengaluru on Saturday. The meteorological department has specifically warned about heavy rain and thundershowers in Chikkaballapura, Kolar, Bengaluru (Rural), Bengaluru (Urban), Chamarajanagara and Ramanagara districts.
Historical Context and Record-Breaking Potential
The current temperature trend puts Bengaluru on track for potentially record-breaking cold this November. Meteorological data reveals that the mean maximum temperature for November over the past 15 years has been 27.4°C, while the average minimum stood at 18.3°C.
Historical records show the lowest minimum temperature recorded in Bengaluru during November in the last 15 years was 13.3°C on November 19, 2012. The all-time lowest temperature for November dates back to November 15, 1967, when the mercury dropped to 9.6°C.
More recently, the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre has predicted that minimum temperatures could drop to as low as 13°C in the coming days, which would make it one of the coldest November periods Bengaluru has experienced in recent decades.
Detailed Weather Observations and Forecast
Weather monitoring stations across the city recorded varied temperature patterns, with Yelahanka experiencing the coldest reading at 14.7°C in the past 24 hours. This contrasts sharply with last November's conditions, when the lowest minimum temperature recorded was 19.4°C on November 27.
The IMD's 48-hour forecast for Bengaluru predicts generally cloudy skies with mist likely during early morning hours in some areas. The weather department expects maximum and minimum temperatures to be around 27°C and 17°C respectively in the immediate future.
Historical weather archives maintained by the IMD indicate that the lowest temperature ever recorded in Bengaluru was 7.8°C on January 13, 1884, providing context for the current cold spell relative to the city's long-term weather patterns.
As Bengaluru braces for potentially record-breaking cold weather this November, residents are advised to take necessary precautions and stay updated with the latest weather bulletins from the India Meteorological Department.
