Bengaluru weather: City sees coldest December nights in a decade as chill grips Karnataka

Bengaluru (file photo)

Residents of Bengaluru awoke to an unusually sharp chill on Tuesday morning, as the city recorded its coldest December temperatures in nearly ten years. According to forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the spell of bitter cold is set to continue, with poor air quality and chilly winds compounding the wintry conditions across much of Karnataka.

The IMD has forecast partly cloudy skies for the city, with temperatures ranging from a high of 25.7 degrees Celsius to a low of 13.5 degrees Celsius. Winds of up to 20.9 kmph and humidity around 67 percent will contribute to a significant wind-chill factor. The department warned that the Air Quality Index is expected to range between 60 and 220, placing it in the 'poor' category and adding to public discomfort.

Official data reveals the significance of the current cold snap. Weather officials confirmed to reporters that the prevailing minimum temperatures mark the lowest recorded in December over the past decade, with the exception of a similar spell in 2016. This significant drop, particularly noticeable over recent nights, has left citizens across the state reaching for extra layers.

The harsh conditions are not confined to the capital. As reported by meteorological authorities, a severe cold wave has tightened its grip on several northern districts.

Regions including Bidar, Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, Belagavi, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Koppal and Vijayanagar are bearing the brunt, with the IMD warning that the intense cold is likely to persist there for at least another day.

The chill has penetrated deep into the southern interior as well, unsettling the typical climate of cities like Mysuru, Davanagere, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru and Hassan. The widespread nature of the temperature drop confirms a statewide weather event, with many areas recording readings well below seasonal norms.

In response to the prolonged cold wave, authorities have issued advisories urging the public, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, to take necessary precautions during the early morning and night hours. The combination of low temperatures, poor air quality and brisk winds presents a heightened health risk, especially for those with respiratory conditions.