A sharp rise in temperatures across Karnataka has pushed Bengaluru into an unseasonably hot April, with weather patterns this week reflecting a broader shift affecting much of the state rather than a short-term spike.
Surface air temperatures in the city were recorded at levels well above normal, with recent days seeing readings ranging between 36°C and 38°C. Data comparing April of this year with the same period in 2025 shows that the average temperature in the city is at least 4 degrees Celsius higher. While April is not typically the hottest month in Bengaluru – daytime temperatures average around 34°C – current conditions have already exceeded that standard.
Meteorological officials attributed this increase mainly to dry westerly winds moving into the region, raising daytime temperatures and lowering humidity levels. According to meteorologists at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), these conditions are expected to continue for several more days, with only limited cloud cover offering little respite.
Meteorologists noted that although some clouds are possible in the afternoon, it is unlikely to lead to significant cooling. Rainfall in the coming weeks is expected to be sporadic and short, and associated with pre-monsoon activity rather than a continuous change in weather.
Even if showers do occur, experts say relief is likely to be localized and temporary, leaving the broader pattern of above-average heat largely intact.
The heat impact is not limited to Bengaluru. Across Karnataka, temperatures rose sharply, with many areas recording values in the low to mid 40s Celsius range. In Raichur and Kalaburagi, temperatures crossed 41 degrees Celsius, reflecting the severity of the current heatwave conditions.
This trend is expected to continue, said CS Patel, IMD scientist. “Heatwaves will increase across the state, including Bengaluru, for another week,” he warned, adding that most areas may witness temperatures ranging between 40°C to 42°C during this period.
Patel also warned that temperatures are likely to remain high during the day and night. He added, “The temperature will rise not only during the day, but also at night, so it will be very hot,” pointing out the possibility of continued discomfort among residents.
In Mysuru district, the heatwave has intensified in recent days, with several locations reporting temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius. Koti recorded nearly 40°C on April 19, after readings of 39.6°C and 39.7°C in the previous days. Nanjangud recorded 39.3 degrees Celsius, while Mysuru taluk recorded temperatures ranging between 37.7 degrees Celsius and 38.7 degrees Celsius over several days.
Despite the prevailing temperatures, some areas also witnessed sudden and intense weather events associated with pre-monsoon activity. In Hassan District, an elderly woman died after being struck by lightning while searching for shelter under a tree during heavy rain. In Chikkamagaluru, strong winds and storms damaged homes and infrastructure, with fallen trees disrupting communication in some areas.
Elsewhere, blizzards and strong winds caused damage to buildings and vehicles, while heavy rains in parts of Haveri district led to waterlogging, with roads submerged after drains overflowed.
These contrasting conditions – intense heat followed by sudden storms – have created further uncertainty for residents, as rainfall causes disruption rather than sustained cooling.
The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Center has forecast more strong winds, thunderstorms and lightning in parts of the state between April 20 and 24. However, these winds are expected to remain intermittent and unevenly distributed.
The heat wave may have had serious consequences already. In Kamalanagar area of Bidar district, a 20-year-old man collapsed in the market area, with early indications pointing to heat stroke as the likely cause. A post-mortem report is awaited.
