Monsoon slow in south interior districts, batters coast, Malnad

Bengaluru: Despite the early arrival of the southwest monsoon, 10 of the 11 districts in south interior Karnataka have recorded below-normal rainfall this month (June), data from Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) shows.As of Sunday (June 22), KSNDMC data shows a 32% deficit in cumulative rainfall for the region when compared to the long-term average for June (June 1–22). Kolar and Chamarajanagar districts were the worst affected, receiving 57% and 52% less rainfall than usual, respectively. In stark contrast, Davanagere bucked the trend, registering over 50% more rainfall than the norm.Meanwhile, the coastal and Malnad regions of the state have been experiencing intense rainfall.

Since the start of the monsoon, these areas have received 589mm and 245mm of rain, respectively.While the disparity in rainfall across regions has raised concerns, meteorologists say the pattern is neither new nor alarming. “Generally, the southwest monsoon enters Karnataka around June 1,” said Dr N Puviarasan, head, India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Meteorological Centre in Bengaluru. “This year, the monsoon entered Karnataka earlier than usual and remained active for some time.

Wind speed decreased around the first week of June, and moisture-laden winds began shifting towards northern India.

“Agricultural experts also downplayed fears over the impact of the relatively dry spell on crops.“The major crops that were sown currently are sesame and some pulses like cowpeas. The total sown area for these crops has increased. These were fed by May rains and have germinated,” said Prof MN Thimmegowda, head of the agrometeorology department at University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru.

“Intermittent rain that fell in June is sufficient to preserve moisture for these crops,” he added. “The main kharif crop will be sown towards the end of July.

Rainfall in the following three months will determine if the monsoon is good overall.”Thimmegowda also pointed out a shifting trend in rainfall patterns over the years. “Rainfall during May and July has increased, while rain in June decreased,” he said. “Inflow into reservoirs like KRS and Kabini have been good.

This will take care of irrigation needs in the Mandya-Mysore region.”As of Saturday, water storage in KRS and Kabini reservoirs stood at 41.3TMC and 15.8TMC respectively — significantly higher than the 14.5TMC and 9TMC recorded on the same date last year.Looking ahead, Puviarasan said scattered rainfall is expected in south and north interior Karnataka over the next three to four days. “However, Kalaburagi and Vijayapura district might see heavier rain due to thunder activity,” he said.