People in India are shivering because of the weather. The Big Chill is making life difficult for them. India is not used to cold winters. The Big Chill is a problem for people in India and even, in Bangalore.
If you have stepped outside lately in Delhi, Jaipur or even Bangalore which’s usually a pretty warm place you know how it feels: it is really cold. The cold is so bad that it goes through your clothes even if you are wearing a lot of layers. This is not just in your head. January 2026 has been one of the winters India has had in a long time. The North is really freezing, with temperatures below zero.
But why is it this cold? Here is the science behind the shiver.
- The La Niña “Cooling” Effect
The biggest player this year is really away in the Pacific Ocean. We are feeling the effects of La Niña now. This means that the water in the Pacific Ocean is cooler than it usually is. La Niña is making the sea surface temperatures, in the Pacific Ocean get very cool.
For India La Niña is like an opening for really cold air to come in. La Niña makes the winds from the north and northwest much stronger. These winds bring cold air from the Arctic and Siberia right into the middle of India. This time these cold winds are going even further south than they normally do and they are reaching very far into Karnataka.
- The Bangalore Surprise: Why is the South So Cold?
Bangalore usually has a mild winter.. 2026 Is not like that. When the North is really cold and dry Bangalore is dealing with a kind of cold. It is a cold.
The Maximum Dip: What is really interesting is that the temperatures during the day are making news in the South. The maximum temperatures in Bangalore have been 24°C to 25°C. This is 5°C below what is normal for maximum temperatures, in Bangalore. Maximum temperatures are usually higher. Not this time.
The Rain Factor: There was a storm system over the Bay of Bengal that made it rain a little bit earlier this month. We did not expect this to happen. The clouds from this storm covered the sky and blocked the sun
Suburban areas are really cold: it is getting very chilly in places like Yelahanka and near the KIAL Airport. The temperature has already gone down to 12.4°C
- Southward Shift of the Jet Stream
The Subtropical Westerly Jet Stream is like a river of wind that is usually far up north. This winter the Subtropical Westerly Jet Stream has moved really far south. When the Subtropical Westerly Jet Stream moves like this it brings air from the poles with it. This means the Subtropical Westerly Jet Stream lets air move into new areas. The cold air then goes across the Indo- plains and even gets into the Deccan Plateau. The cold air, from the Subtropical Westerly Jet Stream is really freezing. It changes the weather in these places.
- The Paradox of “Radiative Cooling”
On nights the earth loses heat really fast into space. This is what people call cooling. The skies have been clear over a lot of the country after the rains in January. So there are no clouds to keep the warmth of the day. That is why it feels much colder when you are driving to work at 6:00 AM, in Bangalore or Delhi. It feels colder than it did a few years ago when you were driving to work at the same time. The earth and radiative cooling are making the mornings feel really cold.
The temperature in Bangalore will probably stay around 14 degrees to 15 degrees, for the rest of January.
Winter Survival Tips for 2026:
Layering is really important. In Bangalore the temperature can change a lot. It gets very hot or very cold. So you should wear clothes that you can easily take off when the sun comes out in the afternoon. This way you will be comfortable. Layering is key, to staying comfortable in Bangalore.
Stay Dry: When it is humid outside the cold air feels really cold. If it rains you should dry your hair and clothes away. This helps your body stay warm. If your hair and clothes are wet your body temperature can drop fast. So always remember to dry yourself when you get wet especially when it is cold outside. This is important because cold and wet is a combination, for your body. Stay dry to stay warm. This is especially important when the humidity is high and it is raining.
Hot Beverages/Hot Water: Now is the perfect time for that extra cup of filter coffee or ginger tea! Stay hydrated with warm water