Bengaluru, often referred to as India’s Silicon Valley, is currently facing a severe water crisis and uncharacteristically high temperatures, posing significant challenges for residents and authorities.
Anomalies in Weather Patterns: On Monday, Bengaluru experienced clear skies with a maximum temperature of 35.4°C, surpassing the normal range by 1.4°C. This deviation from typical weather conditions, coupled with warmer nights indicated by a minimum temperature of 22.0°C, reflects the city’s struggle with rising temperatures.
Fluctuating Humidity Levels: Relative humidity levels in Bengaluru have been fluctuating, with a moderate 49% recorded at 08:30 hrs, suggesting varying moisture levels in the air. Despite forecasts indicating dry weather, the GFS weather model predicts rainfall in Bengaluru on the 18th, 19th, and 20th of April.
Rainfall Deficit Worsening Crisis: IMD forecasts dry weather in Bengaluru until April 19, while the city grapples with a worsening water crisis exacerbated by significant rainfall deficits. Bengaluru and South Interior Karnataka face deficits ranging from -9% to -100%, with inadequate rainfall aggravating the region’s reliance on already strained groundwater and surface water sources.
High Temperatures Across Karnataka: In Karnataka, temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius were recorded in about 30 districts, underscoring the widespread impact of the heatwave. While some regions experienced isolated rainfall, others, particularly Interior Karnataka, faced dry conditions, further compounding water scarcity issues.
Bengaluru’s water crisis and unusual weather patterns highlight the urgent need for sustainable water management practices and measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the region’s environment and livelihoods.
