Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Jun 17: The monsoon situation in Karnataka this year has become a cause for concern, with rainfall levels falling significantly below normal across the state. While several parts of Karnataka typically receive substantial rainfall during the first half of June, this year has witnessed a clear shortfall.
According to data released by the Meteorological Department, Karnataka has recorded an overall rainfall deficit of 21 percent. The situation is even more alarming at the national level, where rainfall has been 64 percent below normal. The weak monsoon has heightened public concern, while farmers are increasingly worried about the possibility of drought conditions. Weather experts have also warned that the El Niño effect could result in a severe rainfall deficit.
Monsoon remains weak across the state
Although the southwest monsoon arrived in Karnataka on June 4, the state received only 19 mm of rainfall between June 4 and June 15. Under normal conditions, the state should have received around 53 mm of rainfall during this period. In other words, the actual rainfall has been less than half of the expected amount.
Meteorologists have attributed this shortfall primarily to the El Niño effect. During El Niño conditions, sea surface temperatures rise, leading to disruptions in normal rainfall patterns. As a result, many parts of India, particularly the southern regions, often experience reduced rainfall.
Coastal regions face severe rainfall deficit
The rainfall shortage is particularly severe in Karnataka’s coastal belt. Although the region usually receives heavy rainfall during this period, current data shows a rainfall deficit of 41 percent along the coast. The Cauvery basin region has also recorded a 36 percent shortfall in rainfall.
This could have a direct impact on agriculture, drinking water storage and reservoir levels.
Looking at the regional distribution of rainfall, South Interior Karnataka should have received an average of 41.8 mm of rainfall. However, the region has recorded only 40.8 mm so far. While the deficit here is relatively small, rainfall remains slightly below normal.
Similarly, North Interior Karnataka was expected to receive 51.5 mm of rainfall and has recorded 51.2 mm, indicating that rainfall in the region remains almost at normal levels.
Malnad region also witnesses significant shortfall
The situation is more serious in the Malnad region. While the region should have received around 132 mm of rainfall during the period, only 84.8 mm has been recorded, reflecting a substantial deficit.
Since the sources of many rivers, reservoirs and dams in the region depend heavily on monsoon rainfall, the effects of the shortfall may become more evident in the coming months.
In the coastal region, against the normal average of 312.6 mm, only 184.7 mm of rainfall has been recorded. This is likely to affect farmers, fishermen, and the water requirements of both urban and rural areas.
Overall, Karnataka should have received an average of 85.5 mm of rainfall by this stage of the monsoon season. However, only 67.7 mm has been recorded, clearly indicating the state's 21 percent rainfall deficit.
Direct impact on agriculture
If the current situation continues, agricultural activities, sowing operations and irrigation projects could face delays or require significant adjustments. In view of the prevailing conditions, the government, the Agriculture Department and farmers need to closely monitor weather forecasts and advisories issued by the Meteorological Department.
Experts have advised careful planning of crop selection, water usage and sowing schedules to mitigate the impact of the rainfall deficit. While there is hope that monsoon activity may intensify in the coming weeks and partly compensate for the shortfall, the present situation serves as a warning signal for the state.