Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Sep 9: Karnataka is staring at a worsening drought situation as a persistent rainfall deficit is now being compounded by a sharp rise in temperatures. Bengaluru and most parts of the state have recorded a rise of 4 to 5 degrees Celsius, with temperatures expected to touch 37°C in parts of Karnataka next week, weather expert C S Patil has said.
Rainfall deficiency has intensified across Karnataka and several other parts of the country. While some areas have been hit by floods and the resulting disruption, most parts of the country are grappling with drought-like conditions due to inadequate rainfall.
Even as the monsoon season continues, temperatures are climbing sharply. Intense heat is leaving people struggling, with the weather already beginning to feel like summer at the start of September.
Against this backdrop, the weather department has issued a significant update. C S Patil said the lack of rainfall had resulted in temperatures rising by 4 to 5°C across Bengaluru and most districts of Karnataka. He said the maximum temperature could climb to 37°C next week.
Bengaluru is already feeling the heat, with a notable rise in temperatures raising concerns over its impact. C S Patil said temperatures in the city could climb to 34°C next week.
Declining soil moisture is also contributing to the steady rise in temperatures. If the trend continues, parts of Bengaluru could begin facing water shortages. The state could also be staring at severe water scarcity this year.
The rainfall deficit has meant that the water level at Cauvery River has not risen substantially. Water received during the rains has not accumulated adequately in the KRS reservoir, with orders from the authorities affecting the storage of available water.
As Karnataka remains obliged to release water to Tamil Nadu, the state, including Bengaluru, could face severe water shortages.
Kalaburagi is expected to see temperatures rise to between 36°C and 37°C next week. Such temperatures are generally recorded only after April, but the weather department has said they could be reached as early as now.
The department attributed the increase to reduced rainfall and declining cloud cover, which are allowing temperatures to rise.
Several districts across Karnataka are already reeling under drought conditions. Most reservoirs in the state have not reached full capacity, while water storage remains below the required levels, adding to concerns over the availability of water.
The sharp rise in temperatures is also raising concerns beyond Karnataka. Experts have warned that increasing heat could accelerate the melting of snow and ice on Himalayan mountain peaks, potentially creating further risks.