You wake up, reach for the phone, and notice something weird. The floor feels like ice. Honestly, if you're in Bengaluru today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, you've probably already realized that the "Garden City" has decided to play a bit of a trick on us.
It's cold. Like, light-sweater-isn't-enough cold.
While most of the country is obsessing over the massive fog banks and arctic temperatures hitting North India, Bengaluru is quietly going through its own little winter drama. According to the latest data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature in the city dipped to 57°F (roughly 14.9°C) early this morning. That is a noticeable 1.1°C below what’s considered normal for this time of year. If you felt a nip in the air during your morning walk at Cubbon Park or while waiting for a BMTC bus, you weren't imagining things.
Why Bengaluru Weather Today Feels So Different
Basically, we are in the middle of a dry spell that’s hugging the entire state of Karnataka. The sky is a flat, brilliant blue, which is beautiful for photos but terrible for keeping heat in. Without cloud cover to act as a blanket, all the warmth from the ground just escapes into space the moment the sun goes down.
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The Numbers You Need to Know
- Current Temperature: It’s sitting around 75°F right now as we head into the afternoon.
- The Peak: We’re looking at a high of 82°F (around 28-30°C).
- Humidity: It’s bone-dry at 21% to 31%.
- Wind: A gentle 4 to 5 mph breeze coming from the Southeast and East.
The contrast is the real killer. You start the day shivering in a hoodie and by 2:00 PM you’re regretting every life choice that led you to wear fleece in the sun. The UV index is hitting a 7 today, which is "High." You’ll burn faster than you think in this crisp air.
The Fog Factor and Your Commute
Mist and fog were the big talking points early this morning, especially around the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) and the northern suburbs. Some spots saw visibility drop significantly before 8:30 AM. It’s that classic January "white-out" that makes the Hebbal flyover look like a scene from a noir film.
While the fog has mostly lifted now, the IMD notes that these conditions are likely to persist for the next 48 hours. If you’re planning a late-night drive or an early Monday morning flight, give yourself an extra 20 minutes. The mist isn't just a vibe; it's a genuine traffic hazard when the Bangalore drivers get impatient.
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What About the Air?
Surprisingly, despite the lack of rain to wash away the dust, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is holding up okay. Most stations are reporting a "Moderate" to "Good" score of 56. PM10 is the main thing floating around—mostly dust from the endless construction—but it’s a far cry from the "Hazardous" levels seen in Delhi today.
Health and Lifestyle Shifts
Local doctors are actually seeing a spike in "morning-after" sniffles. It's the dry air. When humidity drops to 21%, your throat and nasal passages dry out, making you more susceptible to those pesky January viral infections.
- Hydrate: You don't feel thirsty when it's cool, but you're losing moisture. Drink water.
- Layers: Don't commit to one heavy jacket. Go for a tee, a light flannel, and then a shell.
- Skin Care: Use a heavier moisturizer than usual. Your skin will thank you by 6:00 PM.
Looking Ahead: Will it Rain?
The short answer? No.
The long answer? Still no.
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The probability of precipitation is a flat 0%. We are seeing the cessation of the Northeast monsoon across South Interior Karnataka. This means dry, sunny days and clear, chilly nights are our reality for at least the next five days. The IMD expects the minimum temperature to stay 2-5°C below normal throughout the week.
So, if you were planning to wash your car or dry a giant load of laundry, today is your day. The sun is out, the air is moving just enough, and there isn't a cloud in sight to ruin your plans. Just don't forget the sunscreen—that 82°F sun hits a lot harder when the air is this thin and dry.
Actionable Steps for the Rest of Sunday:
- Sunset Watch: The sun sets at 6:13 PM. The temperature will drop sharply immediately after, so carry a wrap if you're headed out for dinner.
- Check Your Plants: Dry air and high UV can stress out your balcony garden. Water them early tomorrow morning before the sun gets high.
- Monday Prep: Lay out a warm layer for the morning commute; tomorrow is expected to start just as chilly as today.