India Meteorological Department (IMD) scientist C S Patil said temperatures could rise by another 1-3°C as rainfall remains subdued across the state. He said the absence of active weather systems has resulted in dry conditions across several districts.
With fewer clouds and clearer skies, the land is receiving prolonged sunshine during the day, causing surface temperatures to rise. Patil said a significant decline in rainfall over the past one to two weeks has also contributed to the increase.
Reduced moisture in the soil is allowing the land to heat up faster, further contributing to the rise in temperatures.
“Temperatures are likely to remain elevated for the next week, and may rise by another 1-3°C. Rainfall activity may improve after September 16,” Patil said.
He attributed the heat to El Nino and the weakening of regional climate systems, including the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO). These systems have also contributed to the weakening of rainfall activity. With the systems not favouring rainfall, the monsoon has remained subdued this year.
Bengaluru has recorded maximum temperatures of around 32-33°C in recent days, compared with the normal 28-29°C for this time of the year.
Northern interior Karnataka has witnessed an even sharper rise in temperatures. Kalaburagi recorded around 36°C, while temperatures in several northern interior districts have remained 4-5°C above normal.
Southern interior Karnataka has also recorded temperatures around 4°C above normal, Patil said.
The state has received around 26% less rainfall than normal so far this year, with rainfall deficiencies reported across several districts. Bengaluru alone has recorded a rainfall deficit of around 40-50%, he said.
Despite the prevailing dry conditions, Bengaluru may receive light rainfall on September 11, 12 and 14, Patil said. More widespread rainfall activity may return after September 16.
Patil said lower moisture levels in reservoirs, lakes and soil, along with reduced vegetation, could contribute to higher temperatures in the coming months as well.
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