Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Oct 29: Coastal Karnataka has recorded some of the highest rainfall totals in the state during October, with Dakshina Kannada receiving 259.5 mm and neighbouring Udupi recording 200.7 mm between October 1 and 27.
While the two coastal districts have received substantial rainfall, the latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) figures reveal a sharply uneven distribution across Karnataka, with Kodagu recording excess rainfall and several districts in the northern regions facing a severe shortfall.
The data, released by the IMD, shows that Karnataka's rainfall pattern during the period has varied considerably from one region to another. Kodagu was the only district to record excess rainfall, while nine districts received normal rainfall, 14 recorded deficient rainfall and seven experienced a severe shortfall.
With the post-monsoon rainfall period already underway, the figures highlight the contrast between the relatively better rainfall in parts of coastal and southern Karnataka and the exceptionally low precipitation recorded in several districts of Kalyana Karnataka and Kittur Karnataka.
Coastal districts record substantial rainfall
Dakshina Kannada (DK) topped the rainfall figures among the districts listed, receiving 259.5 mm between October 1 and 27. Udupi followed with 200.7 mm, placing both coastal districts among the areas that received substantial rainfall during the period.
Despite these relatively high totals, the IMD categorised the rainfall in both districts as normal when compared with their respective long-period averages for the corresponding period.
The figures indicate that the coastal districts have received considerable precipitation during October, although the classification of rainfall as normal or excess depends on how the recorded totals compare with the expected rainfall for each district.
Kodagu records excess rainfall
Kodagu was the only district in Karnataka to record excess rainfall during the 27-day period, receiving 211.4 mm.
Among the other districts that recorded normal rainfall, Mysuru received 146.9 mm, Chamarajanagar 134.9 mm, Bengaluru South 127.3 mm, Kolar 126.2 mm, Hassan 126.1 mm, Bengaluru Urban 125.8 mm and Tumakuru 106.2 mm.
These nine districts, along with Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, feature among the areas identified in the report as having received normal rainfall, while Kodagu was the sole district in the excess category.
The figures underline the relatively better rainfall situation across several parts of southern Karnataka compared with the persistent shortfall in the northern districts.
Seven districts record deficient rainfall
Several districts continued to receive below-normal rainfall during the period. Mandya recorded 108.1 mm, Bengaluru Rural 105.9 mm, Chikkamagaluru 98.4 mm, Chikkaballapur 96.8 mm, Shivamogga 82.9 mm, Uttara Kannada 67 mm and Dharwad 52.2 mm.
Although the recorded totals varied considerably, all seven districts were classified as rainfall-deficient compared with their respective normal levels.
The figures highlight the uneven spread of rainfall across the state, with some districts recording substantial precipitation while others remained below their seasonal averages.
Kalyana Karnataka bears the brunt of the shortfall
The rainfall situation was particularly poor in the Kalyana Karnataka region, where several districts recorded extremely low precipitation between October 1 and 27.
Bidar received just 0.5 mm of rainfall during the period, the lowest figure among the districts listed. Kalaburagi recorded 3.6 mm, Yadgir 3.8 mm, Raichur 4.7 mm, Koppal 12.7 mm, Ballari 22.5 mm and Vijayanagara 24.8 mm.
The exceptionally low totals indicate a substantial rainfall shortfall across the region, with several districts receiving only a small amount of precipitation during the 27-day period.
The figures contrast sharply with the rainfall recorded along the coast and in Kodagu, highlighting the significant regional disparity in Karnataka's October rainfall pattern.
Kittur Karnataka also records a sharp deficit
Several districts in the Kittur Karnataka region also reported low rainfall during the same period.
Haveri received 34.8 mm, Gadag 20.8 mm, Belagavi 20.4 mm, Bagalkot 9.2 mm and Vijayapura just 2.9 mm.
The low totals point to a substantial rainfall deficit across the region as well, with Vijayapura recording particularly meagre precipitation.
The situation in these districts adds to the broader picture of uneven rainfall distribution across Karnataka, with the northern regions receiving considerably less rain than several coastal and southern districts.
Karnataka's October rainfall remains uneven
The latest IMD figures present a mixed picture of Karnataka's rainfall between October 1 and 27. Dakshina Kannada and Udupi recorded substantial rainfall totals, while Kodagu was the only district to receive excess rainfall. Nine districts were categorised as having received normal rainfall, 14 recorded deficient rainfall and seven experienced a severe shortfall.
The figures reflect district-wise rainfall performance against the respective long-period averages for the corresponding period, rather than the absolute amount of rain received alone.
The contrast is particularly evident between Dakshina Kannada's 259.5 mm and Udupi's 200.7 mm and the extremely low totals in districts such as Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur and Vijayapura.
The latest data underscores the uneven nature of rainfall across Karnataka, with coastal districts receiving substantial precipitation while several northern districts continue to experience a significant shortfall.