Sunny skies are set to dominate Bengaluru’s daytime weather this week, but residents will still feel the chill as night temperatures dip below normal, according to the latest Bengaluru weather forecast January 2026 from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). While the city can expect clear, warm afternoons, the persistent easterly winds will keep evenings and nights cool until the end of the month.
Background / Context
For the past two days, Bengaluru has been shrouded in dense cloud cover and sporadic showers, a pattern that has left many commuters and students scrambling for umbrellas. The wet spell, driven by an easterly wave moving across the southwest Bay of Bengal, has also brought cooler temperatures to the city and surrounding parts of south‑interior Karnataka. As the monsoon retreats, the IMD predicts a gradual shift to sunnier conditions, but the lingering wind chill will keep nighttime temperatures low.
Understanding this shift is crucial for residents, especially students and professionals who plan their daily routines around the city’s weather. The forecast also matters for businesses that rely on outdoor activities, tourism, and transportation, as well as for public health officials monitoring heat and cold-related risks.
Key Developments
According to CS Patil, a senior scientist at the IMD Bengaluru office, the city’s weather is expected to clear up by Wednesday:
- Cloud cover and rainfall: Light to moderate showers are likely to recede, giving way to bright, sun‑lit afternoons.
- Temperature rise: Maximum temperatures could climb 2–3 °C above the January average, reaching the mid‑20s during the day.
- Wind chill: Despite the warming daytime temperatures, strong easterly winds from the northeast will intensify the wind‑chill effect, keeping minimum temperatures around 18–19 °C.
Patil added that the easterly winds are part of the retreating monsoon, bringing increased moisture from the Bay of Bengal due to a sudden drop in atmospheric pressure. This combination of moisture and wind has produced moderate rainfall over Tamil Nadu and intermittent showers in Bengaluru and adjoining districts.
In the Central Business District and parts of south and west Bengaluru, Monday’s light to moderate rainfall was accompanied by a noticeable drop in temperatures, underscoring the impact of the easterly wave on the city’s microclimate.
Impact Analysis
For students and young professionals, the forecast means a shift in daily planning:
- Morning commutes: Cooler evenings may lead to increased use of umbrellas and jackets, even if daytime temperatures are comfortable.
- Outdoor activities: Sports clubs and outdoor event organizers should schedule activities during the day to avoid the wind‑chill effect.
- Health considerations: The wind‑chill can increase the risk of respiratory discomfort and cold‑related illnesses, especially for those with asthma or other chronic conditions.
Businesses that rely on outdoor footfall, such as cafés, markets, and tourism operators, may see a dip in evening patronage. Conversely, the clearer skies during the day could boost daytime sales and visitor numbers.
Public transport operators should anticipate potential delays caused by sudden rain showers and increased traffic during the transition from cloudy to sunny conditions.
Expert Insights / Tips
To help residents navigate the changing weather, here are practical recommendations from local meteorologists and health experts:
- Dress in layers: Wear breathable fabrics during the day and add a light jacket or windbreaker for the evenings.
- Stay hydrated: Even with cooler nights, daytime temperatures can rise, so keep water bottles handy.
- Check the wind speed: A wind speed above 15 km/h can amplify the wind‑chill effect; plan outdoor activities accordingly.
- Use sunscreen: Clear skies mean higher UV exposure; apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during midday.
- Monitor health symptoms: If you experience persistent cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath, seek medical advice promptly.
- Plan travel: For those traveling to nearby hill stations or rural areas, be prepared for sudden temperature drops at higher altitudes.
Health officials advise that individuals with pre‑existing respiratory conditions should carry inhalers and avoid prolonged exposure to windy conditions. Meanwhile, students should adjust study schedules to avoid late‑night outdoor sessions when the wind chill is most pronounced.
Looking Ahead
While the Bengaluru weather forecast January 2026 predicts a return to sunny days, the wind‑chill effect is expected to linger until the month’s end. Meteorologists warn that the easterly winds may intensify as the monsoon retreats further, potentially bringing cooler nights into early February.
City planners and local authorities are monitoring the situation closely, ready to issue advisories if temperatures drop below 15 °C during the night. The IMD will continue to update the forecast daily, providing real‑time data on cloud cover, rainfall, and wind speeds.
For residents and businesses, staying informed through reliable weather updates and adjusting plans accordingly will help mitigate the impact of the lingering chill. As the city transitions from a wet, cloudy spell to a clearer, warmer period, the key will be to balance daytime comfort with nighttime caution.
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