Heatwave in Mysuru: Why Temperatures Are Crossing 40°C

Mysuru, known for its moderate climate, is now hitting temperatures above 40°C starting in 2026, which is a departure from its typical summer temperature range. Regional weather patterns combined with more expansive climate change are driving the rise in temperature, resulting in increasingly high and frequent heatwaves, even in cities that previously had cool climates.

The Main Reason: Dry Air and Heat Trapping

Dry continental winds from the interior regions have a significant effect on the situation. The warm air from these inland winds prevents the formation of clouds which prevents solar energy from being reflected back into space and instead heats up the ground through direct solar radiation. In addition, a high-pressure system in southern India pushes warm air near the earth’s surface and traps this warm air. In turn, as long as the winds are light and the skies are clear, there is no significant cooling of the surface throughout the day, resulting in rising surface temperatures.

Changing Climate Patterns Are Amplifying Heat

Rising temperatures in Mysuru can also be traced back to longer-term changes. Higher baseline temperatures mean that current normal summer temperatures will now rise to a higher level than previously considered average. The other factor contributing to the increase in temperature is lower than average pre-monsoon rainfall. Normally, an early rain will help cool the area down; however, with little to no rainfall before the monsoon rains start, there is no significant cooling of the area causing it to become increasingly hotter over time.

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Urban Factors Making It Worse

Despite the fact that Mysuru has a lower population density than most of India’s metropolitan areas, urban sprawl is still contributing to rising temperatures.

The presence of cement/asphalt surfaces allows for more heat absorption and retention than natural surfaces.

The loss of green space has reduced the available cooling of the natural environment.

Heat generated by vehicles and infrastructure add their own layers of additional/unwanted heat to the local climate.

These factors create a diminished version of the urban heat island effect, which results in higher temperatures inside the city when compared to the surrounding rural areas.

What This Means for Residents

The crossing of the 40c threshold is more than just a figure; it demonstrates that the heat-related stresses our bodies experience are progressing toward a level where health risks will occur. Long periods of exposure to high temperatures can result in dehydration or fatigue and could create conditions such as heatstroke.

Changes in temperature will also affect how residents organise their day-to-day lives, as it will require that they change their outdoor activities, hydration practices, and work hours.

Final Words

The rising temperatures in the city of Mysuru are strong evidence that no urban community is protected from an expanding frequency and magnitude of heat waves. What was once recognised as being outside normal, is now frequently becoming the norm; thus, it is critical that the citizens of Mysuru become accustomed to the new heat levels and have a higher awareness of the topic.

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