Monsoon Deficit Hits Karnataka: 42% Below Normal in June, Revival Expected
Karnataka recorded only 116 mm of rainfall in June against the normal 199 mm, a deficit of 42%, according to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has stated that the monsoon is expected to revive this week, bringing relief to parched regions.
Region-wise data shows that south-interior Karnataka received 62 mm (normal 66 mm, -5% deficit), while north-interior Karnataka received 74 mm (normal 103 mm, -28% deficit). Malnad and coastal regions recorded 152 mm and 420 mm respectively, against their normal 363 mm and 832 mm, reflecting deficits of -58% and -42%.
Out of 240 taluks, six recorded large excess rainfall, 24 excess, 59 normal, 120 deficit, and 31 large deficit. Fifteen districts ended June with a deficit: Vijayapura, Dharwad, Gadag, Belagavi, Koppal, Kalaburagi, Bidar, Hassan, Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Davangere, Haveri, Mysuru, Dakshina Kannada, and Shivamogga. Three districts had large deficits: Chikkamagaluru, Vijayanagar, and Kodagu. Ten districts had normal rainfall: Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru South, Kolar, Mandya, Ballari, Bagalkot, Chitradurga, Chamarajanagar, Yadgir, and Raichur. Three districts recorded excess: Tumakuru, Chickballapur, and Bengaluru Rural.
IMD scientist C.S. Patil said that coastal, Malnad, and north Karnataka districts are expected to receive heavy rainfall in the coming days, while south-interior Karnataka will see normal rainfall. For Bengaluru and neighbourhood, the forecast is generally cloudy sky with light rain and sustained wind of 30-40 kmph in some areas. Maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 29°C and 21°C respectively.
The deficit in June is significant for Karnataka's agriculture and water resources, as the monsoon is crucial for kharif crops. Farmers and authorities will be closely watching the revival forecast.
