Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Mar 21: According to the meteorological department, temperatures are on the rise, and there is a likelihood of pre-monsoon rains hitting the coastal region within a week.

Typically, the coastal area experiences rainfall in the second week of March each year. However, due to fluctuations in global temperatures, this pattern has been disrupted in recent years. Last year, due to unusually mild winter temperatures, the region experienced higher-than-normal temperatures. Mangaluru has been recording temperatures exceeding 36 degrees Celsius for several days now.

The extreme heat has led to the formation of clouds in the sky, indicating the possibility of rainfall in the coastal region within the coming week. Normally, by this time of the year, the coastal areas should have received around 4 mm of rainfall. Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada typically receive 7 mm, 3 mm, and 1 mm of rain respectively by now. However, so far, there has been no rainfall in the region.

In 2023, the coastal region experienced a significant deficit in pre-monsoon rains. Dakshina Kannada received only 119.4 mm of rain, which was 51% below the usual amount. Similarly, Udupi received 151.04 mm of rain, also 51% below the usual amount, while Uttara Kannada received just 63 mm of rain, 62% below the usual amount. Overall, the coastal region of Karnataka experienced a 61% deficit in pre-monsoon rainfall last year.

Dr Raje Gowda, a weather scientist, stated, "In recent days, there has been an increase in maximum temperatures in the coastal Karnataka region. There is a possibility of cloud formation and scattered rains in some areas, which may also lower the temperature. Based on current conditions, pre-monsoon rains are expected to occur as usual this year."