Bengaluru records hottest day of the year at 34.6°C
What's the story
Bengaluru has experienced its hottest day of the year till now at 34.6°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
This is 1.9 degrees Celsius higher than the normal temperature during this time of the year.
The heat persisted on Saturday too, with temperatures recorded at 34.4°C.
IMD predicts that on Sunday, the temperature will be around 35 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures will hover around 19 degrees Celsius next week.
Future forecasts
Bengaluru's temperature expected to rise further
Bengaluru's maximum temperature is likely to go up to 39 degrees Celsius from April to mid-May, then witness a slight decline from the third week of May, predicted C.S. Patil, Director of the Meteorological Centre.
This trend isn't limited to Bengaluru; North Interior Karnataka (NIK) is also likely to witness 2-4 degrees Celsius above normal temperature in the coming days.
Kalaburagi has already recorded a high of 39.2 degrees Celsius.
Causes
Urbanization and heat island effect blamed for rising temperatures
Experts have linked the increasing temperatures to rapid urbanization and the heat island effect in Bengaluru and other areas of Karnataka.
Patil said stable atmospheric conditions are also inhibiting the formation of clouds, which is adding to the heat.
Despite the soaring temperatures, IMD has so far refrained from issuing a heatwave warning. However, hot and humid conditions are likely to continue in coastal Karnataka for the next two days.
Weather updates
Rain expected in some regions
Dry weather will continue until Monday, but light showers are expected over South Interior Karnataka, including Bengaluru, on March 11 and 12 due to a weather system developing over Tamil Nadu.
Coastal Karnataka, particularly Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, is also likely to witness isolated rainfall.
Patil mentioned that a heatwave warning for North Interior Karnataka might be issued in a few weeks, as this year is expected to see more heatwave days than usual.