Bengaluru is seeing an unusual rise in temperatures as rainfall remains below normal across Karnataka. The warmer conditions have been particularly noticeable during the past several days, with reduced cloud cover and dry weather contributing to higher daytime temperatures.
Kempegowda International Airport recorded a maximum temperature of 33.9 degrees Celsius on September 13. According to the available weather information, this was 5.7 degrees Celsius above the normal level for the location.
Other parts of the city also recorded relatively high temperatures. Bengaluru city registered 32.6 degrees Celsius, while the HAL airport area recorded 32.1 degrees Celsius.
The temperature eased somewhat later in the day. At 5.30 pm, Bengaluru city recorded 30.2 degrees Celsius, while the temperature at HAL stood at 30.4 degrees Celsius.
Weather expert CS Patil said the recent rise is mainly connected to the decline in rainfall over the past one to two weeks. Lower moisture in the soil and fewer clouds have also allowed daytime temperatures to climb.
Despite the noticeable increase, the present conditions are not being classified as a heat wave. The rise is being linked more closely to the current dry weather pattern and the lack of sufficient rainfall.
Another factor is the limited movement of moisture towards interior Karnataka. Weather systems over the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea have not provided favourable conditions for a stronger moisture flow into the interior parts of the state.
There could be some improvement in rainfall after September 14, but Bengaluru and other districts in southern interior Karnataka may receive only scattered moderate showers initially. This means residents may continue to experience warm afternoons even if isolated rainfall occurs.
The broader rainfall situation in Karnataka remains a concern. The state has recorded around 26 percent less rainfall so far this year, according to the information provided.
The continuing shortage of rain is also affecting agricultural planning. Farmers in areas facing limited water availability have been advised to consider crops that require comparatively less water.
The government may also have to assess additional areas for possible drought declaration. Such decisions are expected to take factors including soil moisture, the length of the dry period and the condition of crops into account.
There is some expectation of better rainfall later in the season. The weather department has indicated that Bengaluru, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Ramanagara, Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Kodagu, Hassan and Tumakuru could see increased rainfall after October 16.
Until then, Bengaluru may continue to experience warmer than usual afternoons. While the current conditions do not amount to a heat wave, the combination of reduced rainfall, dry soil and limited cloud cover is keeping temperatures higher than residents normally expect during this period.
