Even though winter is still a few weeks away, Karnataka is already feeling the chill. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that temperatures have dipped noticeably across the state, including in Bengaluru, where the mercury dropped to 16–17°C since Sunday — down from 19°C on Saturday.
In north-interior Karnataka (NIK), the cold has been more pronounced. Vijayapura and Belagavi recorded minimum temperatures as low as 11°C on Monday, nearly 4–5°C below normal for this time of year. Similar temperature drops were observed in parts of south-interior Karnataka (SIK) as well.
Clear skies, cold winds behind temperature dip
According to IMD scientist N. Puviarasan, the sudden chill is mainly due to clear skies and cold winds blowing in from the north and northeast.
“The northeast monsoon is weak now and present only over the southern coast of Tamil Nadu. South-interior Karnataka is getting northerly winds that originate in Rajasthan and travel through Delhi towards the south,” Puviarasan explained.
He added that northern Karnataka is also experiencing cold winds from the northeast, which has contributed to the temperature drop.
What lies ahead
Bengaluru, meanwhile, is currently receiving both northerly and northeasterly winds, which are keeping temperatures cool but stable.
“Due to this phenomenon, temperatures might not drop further in the next few days,” Puviarasan noted.
The IMD has also forecast light rain over the next three to four days in Kodagu, Hassan, Chamarajanagar, and Mysuru. The rainfall could slightly raise night temperatures again afterward, offering temporary relief from the chill.