Bengaluru has seen temperatures rise to 31.9°C, bringing it dangerously close to a 75-year-old September heat record. According to the India Meteorological Department, the city recorded 32.2°C on Sunday and 31.9°C on Monday, both unusual for September. The all-time September maximum temperature in Bengaluru is 33.3°C, set on Sept 16, 1951. Monday’s reading was 1.4°C below that mark. CS Patil, a scientist at the IMD in Bengaluru, attributed the near-record temperatures to El Nino, stating that the dry conditions are expected to persist for the next couple of days.

The heatwave is accompanied by an unusual lack of rainfall across much of Karnataka. While some areas in north Karnataka received light to moderate showers, coastal and south-interior regions saw no rain. A senior official from the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre noted that 122 taluks reported zero rainfall for three consecutive weeks. With 101 of Karnataka’s 239 taluks declared drought-affected, officials anticipate the number to increase before the southwest monsoon season ends later this month. The prolonged dry spell has disrupted the state’s kharif sowing pattern, with agriculture and horticulture officials reporting early signs of impact on rainfed areas. Production is expected to suffer a significant hit.

The drought has raised concerns about the state’s agricultural output, which is heavily dependent on monsoon rains. Officials warn that the situation could worsen if the dry spell continues. The absence of rain has also affected water availability, with reservoir levels dropping and groundwater depletion becoming a pressing issue. Farmers are struggling to prepare for the planting season, as the lack of rain has delayed sowing and reduced soil moisture. The state government has called for increased monitoring of the situation and is exploring measures to mitigate the impact on farmers.

The IMD has issued warnings about the continued dry conditions, emphasizing the role of El Nino in prolonging the heatwave. Scientists suggest that the current weather pattern is part of a larger climatic shift, which may have long-term implications for the region’s climate. While the monsoon season is expected to resume in the coming weeks, the delayed onset and reduced intensity have raised questions about the reliability of traditional weather patterns. The situation has prompted calls for better climate resilience strategies, particularly for vulnerable communities reliant on agriculture.

As the dry spell continues, officials are urging residents to take precautions against the heat, including staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun. The state government has also announced plans to provide relief to affected farmers, including financial assistance and support for alternative water sources. However, the scale of the drought and its impact on agriculture remain a cause for concern. With the monsoon season still to come, the situation in Karnataka remains closely watched, as the state braces for potential further disruptions to its agricultural and water resources.