BENGALURU: After high mercury levels in Feb, Karnataka is likely to experience extreme heat and excess rainfall in the March-May period, according to weather department’s summer forecast.
While southern Karnataka, including Bengaluru, is likely to record excess pre-monsoon rain, the northern parts, especially Kalyana-Karnataka, are expected to sizzle under severe heatwave conditions for 2-4 days.

IMD’s summer outlook spoke of extreme weather conditions in both regions. “While the coastal Karnataka and Malnad are likely to witness 50-60% excess summer showers, the interior districts such as Bengaluru are expected to get about 30-40% excess pre-monsoon showers. Due to these showers, temperatures across south-interior Karnataka will be relatively normal, even though it may appear to be hot during daytime,” the IMD forecast said.
“The hot and dry weather we saw throughout Feb is expected to increase in severity over northeastern districts of Karnataka, with mercury levels rising as high as 43 to 45 degrees Centigrade throughout March. However, the intensity of heat is likely to reduce in April and May and is expected to spread uniformly across North Karnataka districts,” the forecast added.
‘B’luru to see normal temp in summer’
Meteorologists attributed extreme heat conditions to the weakening of La Nina conditions and further progress at a neutral pace.
CS Patil, senior scientist with IMD Bengaluru, said that unlike 2024 summer, Bengaluru and adjoining districts are likely to witness regular and normal temperatures.
“Even though the daytime temperature appears to be normal, people will feel it more due to the heat-island effect in urban pockets. Contrary to normal daytime temperature, nights will be relatively hot due to above-normal minimum temperature. The night-time temperature is expected to rise by a degree or two in Bengaluru and surrounding areas,” he said.
The health and family welfare department has issued an advisory on extreme heat and heatwave conditions, appealing to the people to stay hydrated, wear fully covered dresses, and limit outdoor activities during peak hours of the day.