Mangaluru, Oct 3: Dense fog enveloped Mangaluru and several parts of coastal Karnataka on Saturday morning, with the city’s high-rise buildings appearing partially shrouded in a thick veil of mist during the early hours.

The fog created a hazy appearance across Mangaluru, particularly in the morning, with visibility remaining reduced in several areas. From a distance, some of the city’s taller buildings appeared to fade into the fog, giving the skyline an unusual look for the beginning of October.

Similar conditions were reported in Udupi, Manipal and surrounding areas, where dense fog persisted well into the morning. In Udupi city and Manipal, the hazy conditions continued even after 7.30 am, leaving residents surprised by the intensity and timing of the fog.

Dense fog is more commonly associated with the cooler months later in the year, particularly November and beyond. Its relatively early appearance in the first week of October has therefore attracted the attention of residents across the coastal belt.

The fog was particularly noticeable during the early morning hours, when moisture-laden air and relatively cooler conditions created a marked reduction in visibility in several locations.

The unusual weather has also prompted concern among some farmers and horticultural growers, particularly amid the recent reduction in rainfall. Coastal Karnataka has experienced varying weather conditions in recent weeks, and growers are closely watching rainfall and atmospheric conditions as they plan agricultural activities for the weeks ahead.

Residents in Mangaluru, Udupi and Manipal also took note of the contrast between the humid coastal weather and the unusually foggy morning, with the conditions giving parts of the region a distinctly winter-like appearance despite October having only just begun.

Weather conditions can vary considerably across the coastal belt, and the presence of morning fog by itself does not necessarily indicate a change in the broader seasonal pattern. The persistence and frequency of such conditions in the coming days will provide a clearer indication of whether the early-October fog is an isolated occurrence or part of a wider weather trend.