Bengaluru Records Highest May Day Temperature in 40 Years | Bengaluru News - Times of India

Source: The Times of India

Bengaluru: After having set new records for extreme summer temperatures during April, Bengaluru entered May by breaking another record. Wednesday turned out to be the hottest day of May in the last 40 years, with the maximum temperature touching 38.1 degrees Celsius, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Furthermore, Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) also recorded the hottest day ever in its history, at 39.2 degrees Celsius.The temperature on Wednesday was 0.8 degrees Celsius short of the all-time record (38.9) for May in the city.

Acknowledging the sizzling mercury levels, Chanabasanagouda S Patil, scientist at IMD Bengaluru, told TOI the hot days are unlikely to end soon. "May in Bengaluru is always marked by a sharp decline in temperature. But the city reported near-record temperatures on the first day of the month, signalling that this May could also break the all-time record in the next few days," Patil explained.

The normal average temperature in Bengaluru, according to IMD data, for May would be anywhere between 33 and 35 degrees Celsius.

In April 2016, Bengaluru had seen 11 extremely hot days -- a record till now. But April 2024 turned out to be even worse with 20 extremely hot days, with the mercury hovering between 37 and 38 degrees Celsius.

Successive forecasts by IMD and independent weather forecasters had assured good spells of summer rain in Bengaluru and adjoining areas. However, in reality, the city has recorded near-zero rainfall till date this summer.

Patil explained that the weather conditions over Bengaluru are frequently changing because of repeated changes in wind patterns scuttling the possibility of cloud formation.

A glimmer of hope

However, there seems to be a glimmer of hope for Bengaluru as weather scientists have spotted the shaping up of a convergence over the South Interior Karnataka region. "After three days of intense hot and dry weather, the skies over Bengaluru may open up as we're seeing a convergence shaping up. This may result in some thunderstorm activities over Bengaluru and adjoining areas towards the weekend and next week, bringing down the temperature," Patil opined.

In fact, pockets of northwestern Bengaluru like Chikkabidarakallu, Goraguntepalya and Nandini Layout received very mild drizzles late Wednesday night.