Bengaluru residents are facing a dual weather challenge as severe cold conditions are now accompanied by dense morning fog, significantly hampering visibility and daily life. The city has been waking up to a thick blanket of fog, a phenomenon meteorologists attribute to a sharp drop in night-time temperatures combined with specific atmospheric conditions.
Ideal Conditions for Dense Fog Formation
According to senior scientist CS Patil from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bengaluru, a sudden dip in mercury levels after sunset, clear night skies, and calm winds have created the perfect recipe for ground-level clouds. "A stable atmosphere, low-level moisture and clear skies over the past few days have provided perfect conditions for fog," Patil explained. He noted that this is particularly evident in low-lying areas and the city's outskirts, which have more vegetation and open spaces.
The impact on visibility has been severe. IMD data reveals that over the past couple of days, visibility levels have plunged to between 50 metres and 100 metres. This is a drastic reduction from the typical winter average of 400-500 metres. The dense fog has been reported extensively in parts of east, north, and south Bengaluru.
Transport and Daily Commute in Jeopardy
The reduced visibility is causing significant disruptions, especially during the late-night and early-morning hours. Morning walkers, daily commuters, and two-wheeler riders are among the most affected groups. CS Patil warned that the situation could severely impact aviation services, potentially delaying early-morning arrivals and take-offs at the airport.
Major highways leading into Bengaluru have also been enveloped in thick fog, forcing vehicles to move at a snail's pace for safety. In response to the hazardous conditions, IMD officials have urged enforcement agencies, including the traffic police, to increase awareness among motorists about necessary safety measures during fog.
A Silver Lining: Warmer Nights on the Horizon
Amid the foggy woes, the IMD's latest forecast offers some respite from the biting cold. The department predicts a gradual rise in minimum (night-time) temperatures over the coming days. This change is due to southeasterly and easterly winds carrying moist, warmer air into the peninsular region.
"These warm air currents with moisture will bring some relief from the cold as they increase night-time temperatures by 2-3 degrees Celsius," stated Patil. While daytime maximum temperatures are expected to remain unchanged, night temperatures are likely to climb to 15-18 degrees Celsius over the next week. A slight dip of 1-2 degrees is anticipated towards the end of December.
However, the fog itself is expected to persist. Meteorologists have forecast that the dense fog conditions will continue over Bengaluru for the next couple of weeks, meaning residents will need to brace for more challenging morning commutes and plan their travel accordingly.
