Winter has firmly set in across Bengaluru and its surrounding districts, with colder mornings, dense fog, and dipping temperatures making daily travel increasingly challenging. Over the past few days,
residents have woken up to biting cold and poor visibility, a pattern, weather officials say is likely to continue till the end of the month.
Minimum temperatures in Bengaluru city are currently ranging between 13°C and 14°C, while neighbouring districts have already recorded lows of around 10°C. Meteorologists warn that the cold spell could intensify further in the coming days, especially during early mornings and late nights.
Temperatures Below Seasonal Normal
Both the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre and the India Meteorological Department have flagged the ongoing cold wave as stronger than what is typically expected in December.
According to officials, minimum temperatures across Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru Rural are currently 2°C to 3°C below normal. Forecasts indicate that temperatures could drop by another 1°C to 2°C over the weekend, deepening the chill across the region.
Peripheral areas and rural pockets around the city are experiencing sharper temperature drops compared to central Bengaluru. Residents in the outskirts, particularly in northern and eastern stretches, report colder nights and early mornings, even as daytime temperatures remain relatively comfortable.
Record Lows Not Ruled Out
Historical data from KSNDMC shows that the lowest recorded minimum temperature in Bengaluru Urban is 8.5°C, while Bengaluru Rural has recorded 8.7°C in the past. Weather experts say current conditions indicate the possibility of temperatures approaching these levels again if cold winds persist and cloud cover remains minimal.
Low humidity is playing a key role in amplifying the cold. The sharp contrast between daytime warmth and night time cooling is making mornings feel colder than usual, despite clear skies during the day.
Dense Fog Hits Early Morning Traffic
In addition to the falling temperatures, dense fog has become a major concern for commuters, particularly during early morning hours. Visibility has been severely reduced between 4:00 AM and 9:30 AM, slowing traffic and increasing risks on highways and arterial roads.
Fog has been especially intense in Bengaluru Rural, affecting several major routes. These include National Highway 48, National Highway 648, and the Yelahanka–Gauribidanur State Highway. Motorists travelling toward the airport, industrial zones, and neighbouring districts have reported sudden drops in visibility along these stretches.
Traffic police officials say fog-related slowdowns are becoming routine during early hours. Drivers are being advised to use low-beam headlights, avoid over speeding, and maintain safe distances, particularly in areas near open fields and low-lying terrain where fog tends to settle quickly.
Surrounding Districts Feel a Sharper Chill
Districts around Bengaluru are witnessing colder conditions than the city itself. Several locations have already reported minimum temperatures close to 10°C, with isolated rural pockets experiencing even lower readings.
Meteorologists explain that rural areas cool faster overnight due to open land and reduced concrete cover, allowing cold air to accumulate. Health officials advise residents, especially children and the elderly, to take precautions against cold-related illnesses as the cold wave continues.
What Lies Ahead
Weather officials expect the cold spell to persist till the end of December, with no immediate signs of a warm-up. While daytime temperatures are likely to remain pleasant due to sunshine, nights and early mornings will continue to feel cold. Fog conditions are also expected to recur on highways and outer roads during early hours.
As the year draws to a close, Bengaluru and its neighbouring districts appear set for a prolonged stretch of chilly mornings and fog-hit commutes, marking one of the sharper winter spells the region has seen in recent years.
