Bengaluru to experience hotter summer than Delhi: IMD explains key factors behind unusual weather shift

Bengaluru

This February, Bengaluru is experiencing an unusual weather pattern, with temperatures soaring above Delhi's by almost 9 degrees. On Monday, February 17, Bengaluru recorded a high of 35.9°C, according to a report in the Hindustan Times, while Delhi remained cooler at 27°C. This shift is unusual for a city known for its year-round pleasant climate.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Bengaluru is likely to experience a hotter summer than Delhi this summer.

Why is Bengaluru so hot this February?

Bengaluru is currently witnessing an unexpected rise in temperatures, making it one of Karnataka's hottest places, alongside Raichur and Kalaburagi. Summer in Bengaluru usually begins in early March, but this year, it's expected to start around mid-February. This early onset of summer is emerging as a new climatic trend for the city.

According to the IMD, temperatures in February 2025 are 2.7 degrees Celsius higher than those recorded in February 2024. This sharp rise is a clear indicator of changing weather patterns.

What IMD-Bengaluru has said about summer 2025?

IMD-Bengaluru Director CS Patil has warned that this year is likely to be hotter than the previous one. He also cautioned about heatwave conditions in districts like Kalaburagi. "While people should take necessary precautions, there is no need to panic," he said.

Will the Karnataka heatwave affect Bengaluru?

The heatwave is expected to impact northern and coastal regions of Karnataka. Although temperatures in southern and interior districts, including Bengaluru, are set to rise, there is no immediate threat of heatwaves in the city. However, the soaring temperatures are still a cause for concer as they deviate from Bengaluru's usual weather patterns.

Key facts about Bengaluru weather

- Bengaluru has been recording higher temperatures than Delhi in February for the past few years. While Bengaluru's temperature range varies from 15°C to 30°C, Delhi's falls between 12°C and 16°C. This trend is likely to continue.

- Despite the hotter days, Bengaluru's evenings remain relatively pleasant, with temperatures hovering around 17°C in February.

- This is not the first time Bengaluru has experienced such temperature spikes. The city has been consistently recording higher temperatures than Delhi for the past two years.

Why is Bengaluru getting hotter?

- According to the IMD, the absence of northern winds is one of the key reasons for Bengaluru's rising temperatures. These winds usually help maintain cooler temperatures but have been noticeably absent this season.

- The ongoing La Nina phenomenon is influencing Bengaluru's weather. La Nina, which causes the ocean to cool in the equatorial Pacific, has a big impact on global weather patterns, including Bengaluru's.

What should Bengaluru residents expect this summer?

With temperatures already soaring in February, Bengaluru residents should brace themselves for a hotter summer than usual. The IMD's prediction suggests that the city may continue to experience temperatures higher than Delhi.