Weather Alert: IMD Predicts 12°C Night Temperature In Bengaluru This Week, Coldest December Since 2011

Bengaluru residents will be bracing for its coldest December night in over a decade, with minimum temperatures expected to plummet to 12 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, breaking a 14-year record. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the last notable drop in December temperatures occurred on December 24, 2011, when the mercury fell to 12.8 degrees Celsius.

Typically, Bengaluru's average minimum temperature in December hovers around 15.7 degrees Celsius. On Sunday (December 15), the city recorded a slight dip to 15.5 degrees, with the HAL airport region registering 14.7 degrees Celsius and the Bengaluru International Airport region seeing a further decline to 14.5 degrees.

Why Is Bengaluru So Cold This December?

The unusual chill has been attributed to persistent rains caused by low-pressure systems along the coast. This has significantly contributed to the drop in temperatures this month.

Historical IMD data reveals that Bengaluru's lowest-ever temperature was recorded at 7.8 degrees Celsius on January 13, 1884, while the all-time low for December stands at 8.9 degrees Celsius in 1883. Between 1980 and 2010, the average minimum temperature for December was around 16.2 degrees Celsius.

As of December 16, the city's temperature stands at 23.6 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of 15.3 degrees and a maximum of 25.5 degrees. The relative humidity is at 34 per cent, with a partly cloudy sky forecast for the day. Bengaluru's air quality index (AQI) is currently at 169, categorizing it as 'moderate.'

IMD Rain Forecast and Alerts

The IMD predicts light rainfall between December 20 and 24, following persistent rains last month that caused waterlogging and traffic disruptions in several parts of Bengaluru.

Additionally, a yellow alert has been issued for heavy rain on December 18 and 19, covering Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, and neighboring districts.

The IMD also forecasts clear skies with early morning fog or mist over the coming days, with maximum temperatures hovering around 27 degrees Celsius and minimums stabilizing near 16 degrees Celsius.