Bengaluru: The city continued to reel under intense heat on Tuesday, with maximum temperatures hovering around 36.5°C—about 2.3°C above the normal for mid-April, according to the India Meteorological Department.
Residents hoping for relief from the scorching conditions may have to wait longer, as the weather department has forecast mainly clear skies and sustained high temperatures over the next few days.
Temperatures above seasonal average
Data from weather stations indicated that the Kempegowda International Airport recorded a maximum temperature of 36.8°C, while the HAL Airport station reported 36.4°C. Both readings are roughly 2°C to 3°C higher than the seasonal average.
Meteorologists attribute the spike to prevailing atmospheric conditions, which are preventing cloud formation and rainfall activity over the region.
Heat likely to persist
C S Patil, scientist at the IMD, warned that the heat is expected to intensify further over the coming week. Temperatures in Bengaluru are likely to range between 36°C and 37°C during this period.
He also noted that temperatures will remain high not only during the day but also at night, adding to discomfort levels for residents.
The highest temperature recorded in mid-April in recent years was 39.4°C during 2023–24, highlighting the potential for further escalation.
Weather system behind the heat
Experts said a strong anti-cyclonic circulation over central India is driving the current conditions. This system suppresses cloud formation, leading to clear skies and increased solar radiation, thereby raising temperatures.
Such patterns are typical during peak summer months but have intensified in recent years, contributing to prolonged heat spells.
Heatwave grips parts of Karnataka
Elsewhere in the state, temperatures have climbed even higher. Kalaburagi recorded the highest maximum temperature at 41.7°C, followed by Bidar at 41.6°C and Raichur at 41.4°C.
The IMD has issued a hot and humid weather warning for Coastal Karnataka, including districts such as Udupi and Dakshina Kannada, valid for the next five days.
Rain in some regions
Despite the prevailing heat, some parts of Karnataka experienced rainfall. Dharwad recorded 12.6 mm of rain in the 24 hours leading up to Monday morning, while Shivamogga received 8.8 mm.
The forecast indicates that isolated light rain and thundershowers, accompanied by gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph, may occur in districts such as Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu and Hassan.
Dry spell in Bengaluru
For Bengaluru, however, dry weather is expected to continue throughout the week. The absence of rainfall is likely to prolong the heatwave-like conditions, keeping daytime temperatures elevated.
Conclusion
With temperatures remaining above normal and no immediate signs of rain, Bengaluru is set to endure a prolonged spell of summer heat. Residents are advised to take precautions against heat-related illnesses while awaiting the arrival of pre-monsoon showers expected later in the season.