North-interior Karnataka is set for a severe cold wave as temperatures drop 4 to 6 degrees Celsius below normal from December 19 to 23, warns the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC). Bidar recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 5.5°C between December 18 and 19. Other districts also faced chilly nights—Kalaburagi at 7.5°C, Vijayapura 6.9°C, Belagavi 6.4°C, and Dharwad 6.7°C, showing worsening cold conditions. The KSNDMC issued a yellow alert for Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur, and Yadgir, signaling moderate risks from cold wave effects, especially at night and early morning. Their extreme weather forecast noted severe cold wave conditions in isolated spots during December 19, 20, and 21, with below-normal temperatures continuing until December 23 statewide. The Malnad region and Coastal Karnataka will also feel colder than usual, with Coastal areas seeing drops up to 3°C. Despite daytime highs above 34°C in places like Kalaburagi and Vijayapura, sharp nighttime temperature falls have caused a large day-night gap, intensifying cold stress. KSNDMC advises elderly, children, and those vulnerable to dress warmly, limit outdoor activity during cold hours, and stay alert for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Farmers and livestock owners are urged to protect crops with light irrigation and ensure shelter and nutrition for animals. KSNDMC notes forecast accuracy may wane over time but stresses an extended cold spell will affect large parts of Karnataka in the coming days.