Bengaluru's Unseasonal Rains Offer Both Relief and Precaution Amid Upcoming Showers

Apr, 11 2025

Unseasonal Rains Sweep Bengaluru: January's Unexpected Weather Shift

In a surprising turn of events, Bengaluru residents have found themselves reaching for umbrellas this January 2025, as the city experienced a rare bout of mid-month rain. This unexpected weather pattern defies the usually dry spell typical for the season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has traced the cause to a cyclonic circulation system combined with an easterly trough over the southwest Bay of Bengal, particularly near Tamil Nadu's coast. By the 18th of January, rainfall measurements showed Bengaluru city receiving 5.2 mm, HAL Airport recording 7.3 mm, and Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) seeing 2.7 mm.

Temperature Drops and Weather Warnings

The sudden rain not only soaked the city but also ushered in cooler air. Temperature readings dropped sharply, with Sunday's figures showing a range between 27°C and 17°C. The mercury is predicted to slide further to 26°C during the day and as low as 16°C at night by Monday, as forecasted by meteorologists. Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) reported alerts for scattered moderate rain throughout southern interior areas, coastal regions, and the hilly districts, though the northern parts remained quite dry.

Adding to these climatic anomalies, places such as Bidar, Kalaburagi, and Raichur were under severe cold wave warnings, further complicating travel and daily activities for residents. Accompanying the showers, light fog settled over several areas, with a forecast for partly cloudy skies once the rains recede.

N Puviarasan, leading the Bengaluru Meteorological Centre, has provided some insight into what the city should expect following the rains, highlighting the return of dry conditions. Yet, shallow fog is likely to hang around for a bit longer, maintaining the eerie winter atmosphere.

The brief spell of rain brought some cooling respite but also minor disruptions across the city. Residents were advised to exercise caution, carry umbrellas, and avoid venturing out during peak rainfall. It serves as a reminder of Bengaluru's susceptibility to extreme weather, despite its famed mild climate.