Bengaluru: The dense cloud cover and scattered rainfall that enveloped the city over the past two days are expected to ease by Wednesday, with brighter conditions forecast. However, the wind-chill effect is likely to persist until the end of Jan due to strong easterly winds, meteorologists said.Scientists at India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the wet and cold spell over Bengaluru and parts of south-interior Karnataka has been caused by an easterly wave moving across the southwest Bay of Bengal. While cloud cover and rainfall are likely to recede, the wind chill is expected to continue.
“With strong easterlies sweeping across the peninsular region, parts of Tamil Nadu and south-interior Karnataka received light to moderate rainfall since Sunday,” said CS Patil, scientist at IMD, Bengaluru. “The easterlies, which are part of the retreating monsoon, are bringing increased moisture from the Bay of Bengal due to a sudden drop in atmospheric pressure. These winds, along with cloud formation, resulted in moderate rainfall over Tamil Nadu and intermittent showers in parts of Bengaluru and adjoining districts.“Several areas in Central Business District and parts of south and west Bengaluru received light to moderate rainfall Monday, accompanied by a drop in temperatures.Patil said weather conditions are expected to clear from Wednesday. “The cloudy weather will gradually give way to sunny days, and the maximum temperature is likely to rise by 2–3 degrees Celsius above normal,” he said.However, he cautioned that cold conditions are likely to persist. “Despite minimum temperatures hovering around 18–19 degrees Celsius, strong easterly winds from the northeast are likely to intensify the wind-chill effect, resulting in chilly evenings and nights in Bengaluru until the end of Jan,” Patil said.
