Bengaluru shivers: Mercury plummets to 12.2°C, coldest in 14 years

Bengaluru recorded its coldest December in 14 years as temperatures dipped to 12.2°C in Uttarahalli and Hemmigepura between December 16 and 17. This marks the lowest temperature since December 24, 2011, when the city recorded 12.8°C. Experts warn that the mercury may drop further in the coming days.

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The chill is attributed to northerly winds triggered by a cyclonic circulation over the south Andaman Sea and southwest Bay of Bengal, reportedly according to meteorologists. The cold wave is expected to persist until December 20, after which the cyclonic system is projected to weaken.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also forecast light rainfall over Bengaluru Urban and Rural districts on December 19 and 20 due to the prevailing weather system. However, IMD scientist FN Puviarasan reportedly noted that temperatures are likely to rise slightly in late December before dipping again in January.

Historical IMD data indicates Bengaluru’s coldest temperature was 7.8°C, recorded on January 13, 1884. While this week's plunge doesn’t break historical records, it has left residents bundling up against the unusually frigid weather.

The IMD predicts Tuesday night’s minimum temperature could hover around 12.4°C, keeping Bengaluru in the grip of the cold wave. With January typically being the coldest month, residents can expect another dip in temperatures as the new year approaches.