Bengaluru Weather:  The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a sharp drop in temperature over the next two days, bringing with it an extreme cold spell for Bengaluru. Saturday might see one of the coldest spells in recent times, with the city's minimum temperature dropping as low as 10.2°C.

Bengaluru's January average temperature of 15.8°C is significantly higher than this predicted low. On December 24, 2011, temperatures fell to 12.8°C during the last significant cold snap in December. The city's lowest recorded temperature, which was 7.8°C on January 13, 1884, is still the lowest ever.

A cold wave that is now affecting weather patterns in the southern tech hub is attributed to the recent temperature drop. The IMD predicts that the cold wave will continue throughout Karnataka, with temperatures in the interior falling by an additional 2°C. Significant changes are unlikely to occur in coastal locations.

Additionally, the IMD has warned of heavy fog in the early morning hours, which could seriously impair visibility and cause delays for commuters. Authorities have advised being cautious, especially when driving during the hours when fog is at its worst.

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The IMD-Hyderabad has declared a cold wave warning for the next three days in neighbouring Telangana, with minimum temperatures in numerous areas predicted to be between 2°C and 4°C.

On Friday, single-digit temperatures were reported in several parts of Hyderabad, including the University of Hyderabad campus (8.8°C), Rajendranagar (9.4°C), and Moula Ali (9.6°C). Even lower readings were recorded in rural regions, such as Kohir in Sangareddy district (6.9°C) and Ginnedari in Tiryani mandal (6.5°C).

Residents are urged to prioritise safety during foggy hours and prepare for colder-than-normal temperatures as Bengaluru and the neighbouring areas get ready for the chill.