Why Bengaluru's Cold Isn't An Official Cold Wave

• Bengaluru is experiencing a colder December with temperatures of 12-14°C, below its seasonal norm of 16.4°C, making residents feel winter has arrived early.
• Despite the noticeable chill, Bengaluru is not officially experiencing a "cold wave" as per India Meteorological Department (IMD) criteria for South Interior Karnataka.
• For southern stations like Bengaluru, an IMD cold wave requires minimum temperatures of 15°C or below and a deviation of 4.5°C or more from normal.
• Southern states rarely see official cold waves due to oceanic influence, proximity to the equator, absence of persistent cold winds, and topographic barriers like the Western Ghats.
• Bengaluru is expected to continue seeing cooler mornings due to dry north-easterly winds and clear skies, but a cold wave declaration remains unlikely.

Why It Matters: IMD's cold wave criteria vary regionally, meaning Bengaluru's chill isn't an official cold wave.