Bengaluru weather: City gripped by chilly nights and misty mornings; IMD forecasts prolonged cold spell

Residents of Bengaluru have been greeted by an unseasonably sharp chill this week, as night-time temperatures have plummeted to several degrees below the seasonal norm. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed the trend is set to continue, marking a pronounced and persistent cold spell for the city.

According to the Met Office, the city recorded a minimum temperature of 14.5 degrees Celsius on a recent night, a significant dip of nearly three degrees below average. This reinforces what has been one of the colder periods this month. While afternoons remain mild with a maximum of around 27.5 degrees, the contrast between day and night is becoming stark.

The IMD’s forecast, detailed in its reports, indicates these conditions are typical for the winter transition and will persist over the coming days. From December 15 through 20, mornings will consistently be characterised by mist or haze, potentially reducing visibility for early commuters. The department advises residents to take precautions during morning travel and to keep warm overnight.

“Despite the cooler nights, daytime conditions are likely to remain stable and calm,” weather experts noted, attributing the pattern to moderate humidity levels combined with the lower temperatures. Skies are expected to clear after the mist lifts, leading to soft sunshine rather than harsh daylight.

The past 24 hours have underscored this pattern: a maximum of 27.5 degrees, a minimum of 14.5 degrees, no rainfall and humidity around 75 per cent. The air quality, meanwhile, has been fluctuating within the “Moderate” category, with an index ranging from 50 to 120.

With stable atmospheric conditions prevailing and no rain forecast, Bengaluru appears settled into a classic winter phase - defined by gentle days, cold, clear nights and the recurring blanket of morning mist. The IMD’s guidance remains clear: the city should brace for continued chilly mornings ahead.