Karnataka Weather Alert: La Niña Triggers Early Winter In Bengaluru, Mercury Dips Below 16°C

Bengaluru residents are reaching for sweaters and jackets earlier than usual this year as the city records a noticeable drop in temperatures. Over the past few days, minimum temperatures in both Bengaluru's urban and rural areas have hovered between 15.5°C and 16°C, signaling an early onset of winter.

Typically, Bengaluru's winter season begins in December and continues through early February. However, this year, colder weather has arrived ahead of schedule, with forecasts suggesting it might be harsher than usual. According to The Times of India, Srinivas Reddy, a retired director of the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), indicated that this winter could be more severe compared to previous years.

North Karnataka Also Feels the Chill

The cold spell isn't limited to Bengaluru. Northern Karnataka districts like Bidar and Vijayapura are also experiencing unusually low temperatures for this time of year. Minimum temperatures in these areas have dipped to around 12°C, and experts predict further declines of 3°C to 4°C in the coming months.

Bengaluru's temperatures could drop to as low as 12°C to 14°C, while Bidar and other northern districts might face even chillier mornings with mercury levels plummeting below 10°C.

Why the Sudden Chill?

Meteorologists attribute the early and intense winter to several factors, particularly the La Niña phenomenon. This climatic event, characterized by cooler-than-usual Pacific Ocean surface temperatures, is significantly contributing to the colder conditions, according to the Bangalore Mirror.

Although most parts of Karnataka are experiencing dry weather, Bengaluru and a few other districts may receive rainfall on November 26 and 27. Currently, Bengaluru's daytime highs are around 28°C, while nighttime lows hover near 16°C. The city's humidity stands at 49%, with northeast winds blowing at 13 km/h.

As the winter season progresses, temperatures across Bengaluru and Karnataka are expected to dip even further, setting the stage for a colder-than-usual season.