Bengaluru weather: After a hotter February, IMD predicts early rains in IT city

Bengaluru has been grappling with unusually high temperatures this month, marking an early onset of summer in the region. However, relief seems to be on the horizon for residents struggling to endure the oppressive heat, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a decrease in temperatures. Additionally, global meteorological agencies have suggested the possibility of early summer showers drenching the city and other parts of the state starting from March.

In February, while the typical maximum temperature averages at 30.9 degrees Celsius, Bengaluru has experienced temperatures exceeding this norm. Meteorologists attribute this temperature surge to the absence of wind and rainfall in the area. Normally, Bengaluru should have received 7.1 mm of rainfall by February, but as of now, there has been no precipitation. A Prasad, a scientist at the IMD Bengaluru observatory, told Times of India that a counter-clockwise movement of cold air from the southeast, traversing over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to introduce cooler conditions to the city. This drop in maximum temperature is anticipated to persist for about a week before rising again towards the end of the month.

Already, this forecasted change has had a moderating effect on the city's climate. On Friday-Saturday, the maximum temperature recorded was 31.2 degrees Celsius, while the minimum was 18.0 degrees Celsius.


Global meteorological agencies such as the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts have hinted at substantial and above-average summer rainfall. The IMD is closely monitoring the situation and is expected to issue a comprehensive forecast by the end of February.

Prasad indicated that summer showers are expected to help maintain maximum temperatures around 33-34 degrees Celsius in March and April, aligning with Bengaluru's typical summer temperature range.

The La Nina weather pattern characterized by unusually cold temperatures in the Pacific Ocean could emerge in the second half of 2024, following a strong El Nino year, a U.S. government weather forecaster said this week.

Looking ahead, the emergence of the La Nina weather pattern, characterized by cooler temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, is anticipated in the latter half of 2024, following a strong El Nino year. This pattern historically results in increased precipitation in regions like Australia, Southeast Asia, and India. The development of La Nina is seen as advantageous for the Indian monsoon, typically resulting in abundant rainfall during such years, according to officials from the India Meteorological Department.