Bengaluru shivers as cold wave bites: Foggy mornings wreak havoc on commute

Bengaluru: Bengaluru is experiencing a sharp drop in early-morning temperatures as a cold wave tightens its grip over large parts of Karnataka.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), minimum temperatures across interior Karnataka have fallen 5 to 7 degrees Celsius below normal.

Several districts, including Bidar, Vijayapura, Raichur, and Davangere, are recording the most severe cold wave conditions, while Bengaluru has not been spared from the winter chill.

Bengaluru Records Below-Normal Minimums

In the city, minimum temperatures hovered around 14 degrees Celsius over the past 24 hours, lower than the usual for this time of year. HAL Airport recorded near-normal minimums, but other observation points, including Bengaluru City and Kempegowda International Airport, reflected the colder trend. Peripheral areas with dense green cover could see night temperatures dropping below 10 degrees Celsius, while central business district areas are expected to remain slightly warmer at 12–13 degrees Celsius.

Data from KSNDMC shows Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru Rural registered minimum temperatures of 8.5°C and 8.7°C, respectively.

Fog and Mist Disrupt Morning Commutes

Early morning fog and mist were reported in parts of the city, reducing visibility during peak commuting hours. Residents are advised to exercise caution while driving and monitor weather advisories. Fog is expected to persist in the coming mornings, especially in low-lying and open areas.

Local Forecast and Weather Advisory

The IMD bulletin states that Bengaluru falls under South Interior Karnataka (SIK), where cold wave conditions are likely to prevail across multiple districts, including Mysuru, Mandya, Tumakuru, Hassan, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, and Chitradurga.

For Bengaluru, forecasts indicate mainly clear skies, with early-morning fog or mist likely until December 22. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain around 27 degrees Celsius, while minimums will hover near 14 degrees Celsius over the next 48 hours.

Precautions Recommended for Vulnerable Groups

Weather experts have advised residents, especially children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions, to take precautions against cold-related illnesses. Commuters are urged to be vigilant on foggy mornings and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities.