Bengaluru shivers as Cyclone Ditwah-induced chill delivers coldest day of the year amid ‘good' AQI readings

Bengaluru AQI

A profound chill has gripped Bengaluru, with the city recording its coldest day of the year on Sunday as maximum temperatures plummeted to a brisk 20.2 degrees Celsius. The uncharacteristically cold conditions, accompanied by persistent grey skies and intermittent drizzle, have given the IT capital a winter-like feel, with residents comparing the weather to North Indian winters.

The sharp drop in temperatures, one of the most significant in recent years, began on Saturday when the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a maximum of 21.6 degrees Celsius, marking the coldest November day of the season and dipping well below seasonal averages. The meteorological anomaly has been attributed to a cyclonic system forming over the Bay of Bengal.

According to the IMD, the cloudy weather, increased atmospheric moisture and cool breezes triggered by Cyclone Ditwah are directly responsible for the sudden temperature dip. The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre has indicated that while dry weather is likely to persist across the state, residents should prepare for continued cold and foggy mornings.

The forecast for Monday suggests little immediate relief for Bengaluru. Patchy rain is expected nearby, with temperatures ranging between 26 degrees Celsius and 19 degrees Celsius. Occasional light rain may continue, accompanied by high humidity of around 78% and winds of 18 km/h. The IMD predicts that the damp, cool conditions, fuelled by leftover moisture from the cyclonic system, will last until Tuesday.

Amid the cold snap, one silver lining remains: the city's air quality. Readings have stayed within the 'Good' category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) ranging from 30 to 90.

The chill is not confined to Bengaluru. In the northern plains of the state, Vijayapura and Dharwad recorded the lowest minimum temperature in Karnataka at 12.5 degrees Celsius. North Interior Karnataka is expected to see dry weather, though sustained winds of 30–40 km/h will keep conditions decidedly breezy and cool.

Coastal Karnataka will also experience dry weather, with no significant rainfall expected. In contrast, parts of South Interior Karnataka may witness light rain accompanied by moderate winds at isolated locations.

From Tuesday onward, conditions in Bengaluru are expected to gradually improve, with clearer skies and slightly warmer afternoons offering respite from the unexpected and biting cold.