Bengaluru shivered through Sunday as the city recorded the coldest day of 2025, with temperatures far below seasonal averages and catching residents off guard. Although famous for its mild, pleasant winters, sharp drops in temperature are not very common in the city. But this weekend brought an unusual chill that had the city wrapped in thick cloud cover, persistent drizzle, and damp winds.
Early morning readings by the India Meteorological Department gave the minimum temperature as around 18.4°C, and daytime temperatures struggled to rise beyond 20–21°C, making it the coldest day of the year thus far. Although these numbers may not count as a cold wave by northern India’s standards, this certainly felt distinctly severe in terms of the typical climate of Bengaluru.
Why Did the Temperature Fall So Sharply?
Meteorologists attributed the drop in temperatures to a combination of factors led by persistent cloud cover and light rainfall across the city. The sky remained heavily overcast from Saturday night through Sunday evening, blocking out sunlight and reducing daytime heating. Multiple parts of the city also recorded light drizzle — not enough to cause disruptions, but significant enough to increase humidity and intensify the feeling of cold.
Another reason for this was the extended cloud system associated with Cyclone Ditwah, which traversed over large parts of southern India earlier in the week. The cyclone itself did not affect Bengaluru, but the trailing cloud bands of the weather system rested over the city, bringing cooler conditions, moisture-laden winds, and subdued sunshine throughout the weekend.
How Bengaluru Dealt With the Cold Snap
Delight and discomfort marked the reactions to the unexpected chill from residents across the city. Memes, photographs of foggy neighbourhoods, and morning scenes resembling hill-station postcards rather than the usual November mornings of Bengaluru kept social media abuzz.
The dip brought back nostalgic memories of the city’s older winters — many decades ago when Bengaluru was colder, greener, and less urbanized. The dampness did not come without some downsides, though: office-goers who commuted early complained of slippery roads in some places, visibility at low levels, and the poor combination of cold breeze and moisture. Auto drivers and daily-wage laborers who are out in the open for long hours reportedly felt the brunt of the sudden temperature fall.
On the other hand, cafes, tea stalls, and breakfast outlets saw an increase in footfall as residents stepped out to enjoy a hot cup of filter coffee or masala chai to beat the cold. Several families remained indoors, wrapped in sweaters- rare for November-with children continuing to enjoy the novelty of a winter-like weekend.
How Unusual Was This Temperature Drop?
Although Bengaluru has winter from December to early February, over the last couple of years, winters have been rather mild, and it hardly gets really cold in November. Late November temperatures usually range from 22°C to 25°C during the day, and around 17–18°C at night.
Thus, Sunday’s temperature was far from being normal. Historic records indicate that Bengaluru has recorded even lower temperatures earlier in previous decades-sometimes less than 10°C. These events are very rare now due to rising urban heat, pollution, and rapid development changing the city’s microclimate.
The IMD said the current cold spell was transient and did not reflect a sustained winter drop. But it also made an equally important point that such fluctuations are becoming more frequent as global and regional weather patterns change due to climate change.
Will the Cold Continue?
According to forecasts by IMD, this thick cloud cover is expected to disperse over the next 24 to 48 hours, with a marginal rise in temperatures. While chilly mornings may persist over the coming week, with more sunshine expected, the intense cold of Sunday is unlikely to persist. Light showers may persist in a few pockets but the city should return to its normal winter rhythm — cool mornings, pleasant afternoons, and crisp evenings — as December progresses.
A Reminder of Changing Weather Patterns This cold day came as a reminder that the weather has become highly unpredictable, even in cities hailed for their stable climates. For Bengaluru, hitherto known as the “City of Gardens,” the unexpected chill was refreshing and revealing at the same time-it showed just how delicate and responsive the region’s climate is to larger atmospheric changes. With residents layering up and making the most of this rare winter moment, meteorologists continued to monitor the shifting conditions. Whether this will be an isolated cold day or a sign of more such surprises in the future remains to be seen, but for now, this brief spell has surely given the Bengalureans a memorable start to winter.
