Bengaluru Weather Alert: Cold Wave Grips Karnataka, Colder Nights Expected During New Year

Much of Karnataka remained cold on 29 December, though Bengaluru experienced relatively mild conditions. Several northern districts, such as Bidar, Dharwad, and Haveri, reported chilly-wave levels, while meteorologists cautioned that Bengaluru's nighttime temperatures could dip further as New Year's Eve approaches.

Bengaluru Weather Alert: Cold Wave Grips Karnataka, Colder Nights Expected During New Year

Officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicated that this winter is tougher for Karnataka. Abnormal temperature fluctuations across three seasons, coupled with a prolonged monsoon, have pushed readings lower statewide, raising concerns for residents and farmers alike.

Bengaluru weather, Karnataka weather forecast: city conditions and IMD outlook

IMD data indicated Bidar recorded the state's lowest temperature on 28 December, with the thermometer dropping to 9.5°C. Despite this, Bengaluru's daytime remained pleasant. However, weather models pointed to a gradual decline in the city's minimum temperature in the days ahead. As per the IMD forecast, Bengaluru reached a maximum of 26.4°C on 28 December. The minimum was 16.7°C, with relative humidity at 63% by 5:30 pm. Forecasters expected a generally comfortable day, followed by cooler conditions after sunset.

Bengaluru weather, Karnataka weather forecast: temperature pattern for New Year week

From December 30 to January 3, Bengaluru's lowest temperature is anticipated to be around 15°C, with daytime highs near 28°C. Expect partly cloudy conditions, with fog or mist in parts of the city during the early mornings. A summary of Karnataka's recent temperature trend is provided below, using IMD data from notable locations that have recorded the lowest minimums in recent decades.

Bengaluru weather, Karnataka weather forecast: statewide cold and district variations

IMD data showed a pronounced drop in temperature of about 2-4°C at certain coastal Karnataka sites. In inland parts of Karnataka, no large change was observed, though many coastal stations continued to record a notable cooling. Dry conditions are expected to persist across all coastal and interior districts. In South Interior Karnataka, several stations registered below-normal temperatures by about 1.6-3°C relative to normal. A couple of locations in North Interior Karnataka also fell into the below-normal range. These deviations support a view of a stronger cold spell this season. Bengaluru weather, Karnataka forecast: long-term trends and causes Climatological records indicate that the ten coldest years since 1901 for Bengaluru rural, Mysuru, Raichur, Vijayapura, and Bidar have all occurred in the last two decades.

The minimum temperatures recorded were 9.5°C, 8.1°C, 7.1°C, 6.0°C, and 5.6°C respectively. Bagalkot has seen eight of its coldest years since 2022, the lowest in over four decades. Temperatures fell to 6.6°C there, triggering cold-wave advisories. Officials warned of health risks to vulnerable groups and an uptick in crop-affecting fungal diseases. Experts attribute the recent chill to active western disturbances and stronger jet streams over the region. They also point to broader global and regional signals, including La Niña in the Pacific, which together have intensified Karnataka's winter cold.

With New Year celebrations approaching, Bengaluru is likely to remain mostly comfortable by day, but nights will be cooler. In other parts of the state, ongoing dry spells and low temperatures will keep weather agencies focused on public health guidance and on monitoring stress to the agricultural sector.