Bengaluru records hottest day of the year at 34.6°C, temperatures set to rise

Bengaluru experienced its hottest day of the year on Friday, with temperatures soaring to 34.6°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This marked a 1.9°C rise above the seasonal average. Although Saturday saw a marginal dip to 34.4°C, meteorologists predict further increases in the coming days.

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IMD forecasts indicate that the maximum temperature could reach 35°C on Sunday, while the minimum temperature is expected to stay around 19°C throughout the next week. Experts warn that the city may endure extreme heat in the coming months, with temperatures possibly peaking at 39°C between April and mid-May before seeing a slight decline.

Beyond Bengaluru, North Interior Karnataka (NIK) is also experiencing an unusual rise in temperatures, with maximum readings expected to be 2-4°C above normal. Kalaburagi has already recorded 39.2°C, exceeding its usual levels by approximately 2°C. Several other districts, including Vijayapura, Yadgir, Raichur, and Bagalkot, could see temperatures soaring to 45°C in May.

The ongoing temperature spike is attributed to rapid urbanization and the heat island effect, which have intensified warming in Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka. Weather conditions are expected to remain dry until Monday, after which light rainfall is likely in South Interior Karnataka, including Bengaluru, on March 11 and 12. Coastal Karnataka, particularly Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, may also witness scattered showers.