Bengaluru Weather: Temperature Dips, IMD Forecasts Cooler Spell Through the Week

After a warm start to January, Bengaluru moved back into cooler conditions on Wednesday, with both day and night temperatures falling below seasonal norms. Forecasters from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicate that this spell of cooler weather is likely to continue over the next few days.

The city observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 14.9°C on Wednesday, 1.1°C below the usual January baseline of 16°C. Daytime temperatures also remained slightly lower than normal, with the maximum in the urban area reaching 26.4°C, about 0.5°C under the long-term average.

IMD Forecast and Temperature Trend

According to the Bengaluru dashboard of the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre, night temperatures could drop further on Thursday and Friday. Minimums are projected at 12.5°C, with some northern outskirts possibly recording 11.7°C.

For the weekend, the IMD expects generally dry conditions with partly cloudy skies and early morning fog or mist in some areas. Maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 27°C and 16°C respectively, suggesting a mild rise from midweek lows.

Station-Wise Observations

Bengaluru HAL Airport logged a minimum of 14.4°C, 0.7°C below normal, while the maximum remained 2.2°C under the usual 28.2°C. At Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL), the maximum temperature was 1.1°C lower than the 27.4°C average. In Yelahanka, near Bengaluru International Airport, the lowest temperature was 12.7°C, reflecting a sharper chill in the northern outskirts compared to central city areas.

IMD records show Bengaluru's all-time lowest temperature of 7.8°C was observed on 13 January 1884. Over the past 15 years, the coldest January reading since 2009 was 12°C in January 2012. Typically, the city records January minimums between 12°C and 13°C in the first half of the month, whereas this year the lowest reading so far has been a relatively mild 16.4°C.

Statewide Cold Wave

The chill across Bengaluru is part of a broader pattern in Karnataka. Bidar in northern Karnataka recorded the state's lowest minimum on Wednesday at 9°C, continuing a cold spell that began last month. IMD has issued cold wave warnings for Bidar, Kalaburgi, Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Belagavi, Dharwad and Gadag districts for the next 48 hours.

While Bengaluru's recent temperatures remain above historic extremes, the midweek dip serves as a reminder of winter's lingering chill. The IMD expects conditions to gradually return closer to normal January levels in the coming days for both the city and North Interior Karnataka.