No Rain in India's Silicon Valley: Why Is Bengaluru Dry for 140 Days?

Bengaluru residents had hope Thursday morning despite the city's severe water scarcity and quickly rising temperatures, as cloudy sky hinted at the possibility of much-needed rains. The hope was short-lived, though, as the sun's inexorable ascension brought back memories of the oppressive heat of the day before. 

Image Source -www.timesnownews.com

The good news for Bengaluru is that nearby places like Madikeri and Virajpet in the Coorg district have started to receive rain, despite the city's ongoing drought. Thunderstorms are getting stronger north of Karnataka's Vijayapura district, which raises the possibility of precipitation in the area even more.

Bengaluru is part of south-internal Karnataka, which is predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to see above-average rainfall in March, despite the city being dry. Following a trend of above-average temperatures that started in March with a maximum temperature of 36.4 degrees Celsius on March 29, the meteorological station at Kempegowda International Airport recorded temperatures of 38.3 degrees Celsius on April 5.

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The intense heat has notably affected those who work outside, such as delivery executives, pourakarmikas (civic workers), construction workers, and drivers of both private and public vehicles. Pourakarmika unions have demanded modifications to working hours, such as half-day shifts and breaks, as well as the provision of protective gear, such as umbrellas and sunglasses, for the summer.

Warmer waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean are the hallmark of El Nino, which meteorologists believe is behind the current heat wave and drought. One example of how this phenomenon has changed rainfall patterns and contributed to higher average temperatures is the lack of the typical April thunderstorm activity.

The last time rain fell in Bengaluru was in 2023, more than three months ago. March usually brings a relief from the dry weather, with January and February typically being the driest months. However, the city has not yet had any significant rainfall this year. The Karnataka Weather weather forecaster on X (Twitter) states that there hasn't been any rain in the Garden City for 140 days.

According to A. Prasad, a scientist at IMD Bengaluru, El Nino has affected current weather patterns, resulting in milder winters. Anti-cyclonic circulation across the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal has worsened the extreme heat and lack of precipitation.

Bengaluru locals are bracing themselves for more hot and dry weather as the temperatures increase and the dry spell persists. While weather patterns are monitored by officials, stay safe and hydrated throughout the intense summer heat. It is emphasized to the populace to exercise prudence.