39.2 celsius : Bengaluru's hottest day in 85 years

K'taka sizzles: Last high of 38.3 C was in 1931

Bengaluru on Sunday registered 39.2 degrees Celsius, the highest temperature in 85 years. The previous record was 38.3 degrees Celsius on April 30, 1931.

Sunday’s maximum temperature was recorded between 2.30 and 4 pm on Sunday. Speaking to DH, IMD-Bengaluru Director-incharge Geeta Agnihotri said Sunday’s temperature was an all-time high.

On Saturday, the city recorded 38 degrees Celsius. The Kempegowda International Airport recorded a 38.2 degrees Celsius on April 21 and 22.  The mercury is likely to soar further in the coming days, according to IMD forecasts.

Temperatures will be around 38-39 degrees Celsius in the absence of rain. “This heatwave is prevailing not only in Bengaluru and Karnataka but also in parts like Odisha and Jharkhand,’’ Geeta said.

The wind pattern has been typical in the last few days, without much moisture.

“This is because of scanty pre-monsoon showers. Normally, winds bring moisture from anti-cyclones which occur in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The westerly  winds are dry and hot. Apart from this, local factors like increasing concretisation, pollution and population are worsening the condition.’’