Karnataka Records Driest Southwest Monsoon in Decades

Between June 1 and September 30, the southwest monsoon delivered far less rain than usual across Karnataka. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Bengaluru’s city station received 313 mm, a -236 mm shortfall against the normal 597.7 mm for the same period. State-wide, IMD data show a cumulative 564.6 mm versus the normal 831.8 mm, a -32 % deficit. The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) calculated the state total at 551 mm, 35 % below normal, marking the lowest monsoon rainfall since 1971.

The Hindu

District-level deficits varied sharply. KSNDMC identified Mysuru as the hardest hit, with a -59 % shortfall (172 mm against a normal 419 mm). Vijayanagara recorded a -57 % deficit, while Bengaluru South was the only district within the normal range, showing a modest -18 % shortfall. In the three meteorological subdivisions, Coastal Karnataka logged -28 %, North Interior -31 %, and South Interior -36 % deficits (IMD).

With 35% monsoon deficit, Karnataka stares at worst drought in 150 years

IMD scientists attribute the shortfall to a strong El Niño episode that delayed monsoon onset across the state. “As forecast, we are witnessing strong El Nino conditions which has severely impacted the southwest monsoon in the State,” noted IMD Scientist C.S. Patil. The department also projects below-normal rainfall for October and November, extending the dry spell.

The Indian Express

Reduced rainfall has strained reservoirs. Live storage in the four major Cauvery-basin dams—Kabini, Hemavati, KRS and Harangi—has fallen to 52 % of gross capacity, with total water availability at 59.1 TMC. Inflow to the KRS dam was recorded at just 492 cusecs, and officials warned that the monsoon withdrawal may require an additional 8-10 days before significant replenishment.

With 35% monsoon deficit, Karnataka stares at worst drought in 150 years

• “As forecast, we are witnessing strong El Nino conditions which has severely impacted the southwest monsoon in the State,” — IMD Scientist C.S Patil — IMD Scientist C.S. Patil

The Hindu