Karnataka monsoon rainfall deficit deepens as dry weather is expected to persist for another week, increasing concerns over agriculture, water availability, and rising temperatures across the state
Bengaluru: Karnataka is likely to witness another week of largely dry weather as the southwest monsoon continues to remain weak, raising fresh concerns for farmers, water resources, and overall agricultural activity. Weather experts have indicated that widespread rainfall is unlikely across most parts of the state over the coming days, with only limited and moderate showers expected toward the end of July. The prolonged rainfall deficit has already delayed sowing operations in several rain-fed farming regions, while rising temperatures have further intensified the challenges faced by farmers.
The continued weak monsoon has resulted in significantly below-normal rainfall across several districts, affecting both agricultural planning and drinking water availability. Experts believe rainfall activity may improve in August, but it is unlikely to reach the levels generally expected during the peak monsoon season.
Karnataka Monsoon Rainfall Deficit Delays Sowing Across Several Districts
Weather experts have observed that Karnataka experienced substantially lower-than-normal rainfall during June, creating difficult conditions for agricultural activities. Districts surrounding Bengaluru, including Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Ramanagara, and Mandya, have reported rainfall deficits exceeding 50 percent, making it difficult for farmers to begin sowing operations.
Meanwhile, coastal Karnataka has recorded rainfall shortages ranging between 15 and 30 percent, while the northern interior districts have witnessed deficits of approximately 15 to 20 percent. The lack of adequate rainfall has delayed cultivation in rain-dependent regions, forcing farmers to closely monitor field conditions before taking up sowing activities.
"Farmers dependent on rain-fed agriculture should assess soil moisture before sowing seeds. If sufficient moisture is unavailable, waiting for improved rainfall conditions would be the safer option," weather experts advised.
According to experts, although rainfall activity may improve during the final week of July, it is expected to remain moderate rather than widespread. Only limited areas in the coastal and Malnad regions are likely to receive light rainfall, while most interior districts are expected to continue experiencing dry weather.
Dry Weather Expected Across Most Karnataka Districts
Forecasts indicate that dry conditions will continue across both north interior and south interior Karnataka for at least another week. Less than one-fourth of the coastal and hilly districts are expected to receive light rainfall during this period, while widespread showers remain unlikely elsewhere in the state.
Meteorologists believe the southwest monsoon has weakened considerably, reducing atmospheric moisture levels and limiting cloud formation across much of Karnataka. Although rainfall may recover gradually during August, experts caution that overall seasonal precipitation may still remain below expectations.
The prolonged dry spell has increased uncertainty for thousands of farmers who were hoping to begin sowing during July after a disappointing June rainfall season.
Farmers Face Growing Agricultural and Water Challenges
The continued lack of rainfall has added to the anxiety of farmers across Karnataka, particularly those who depend entirely on seasonal rains for cultivation. Many had anticipated improved rainfall during July to commence sowing operations, but the latest weather outlook has further delayed those plans.
Apart from agricultural concerns, drinking water shortages are also emerging in several regions due to inadequate rainfall. Farmers fear that if the dry conditions continue, securing sufficient water for crops as well as domestic use may become increasingly difficult in the coming weeks.
"Without adequate rainfall, the uncertainty surrounding crop cultivation and water availability continues to grow, leaving farmers concerned about the upcoming agricultural season."
Agricultural experts recommend that rain-fed farmers avoid premature sowing and instead monitor soil moisture carefully before planting seeds to reduce the risk of crop failure.
Higher Temperatures Reflect Weak Southwest Monsoon
Karnataka has also been experiencing unusually warm weather during June and July, months that generally remain cooler because of active monsoon conditions. The weakening southwest monsoon has contributed to higher daytime temperatures across several districts.
In Bengaluru, the maximum temperature has climbed to 32.4 degrees Celsius, considerably higher than the typical July average of around 28 degrees Celsius. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this represents the highest July temperature recorded in Bengaluru during the past five years. Previously, the city recorded 32.7 degrees Celsius during July 2021.
Similar temperature increases have been observed across Mysuru, Gadag, Koppal, and several other districts, where maximum temperatures are approximately 4 degrees Celsius above normal.
Raichur recorded the state's highest maximum temperature at 38.4 degrees Celsius, substantially above the seasonal average of around 33 degrees Celsius for this period.
Meteorological officials attribute the increase in temperatures primarily to weakened monsoon circulation, which has reduced cloud cover, lowered atmospheric humidity, and allowed daytime temperatures to rise across much of the state.
IMD Forecast for Karnataka Weather Over the Next 24 Hours
The India Meteorological Department has forecast moderate rainfall at isolated locations over the next 24 hours in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada, along with parts of the southern interior, including Kodagu and Hassan. These areas may also experience winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph.
The department has additionally warned of gusty winds at isolated places in several districts, including Ballari, Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru City, Chamarajanagar, Chikkaballapur, Chitradurga, Davangere, Kolar, Mandya, Mysuru, Ramanagara, Tumakuru, and Vijayanagar.
While isolated rainfall is expected in select districts, widespread monsoon activity across Karnataka is likely to remain subdued over the coming week, keeping agricultural communities dependent on improved rainfall later in the season.
