Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 9: The southwest monsoon is expected to make its way to the coastal region of the state within the next month, with weather forecasts indicating a possibility of normal or even above-normal rainfall this season.

Coastal Karnataka has already been witnessing good pre-monsoon showers. If this pattern continues, the monsoon is likely to arrive over Kerala by the end of May or in the first week of June, subsequently progressing towards the Karnataka coast. Meteorological conditions, including wind patterns and cloud formation, are aligning favourably for the timely onset of the monsoon. As pre-monsoon activity tapers off, monsoon-bearing clouds are expected to gather over the equatorial region and move northwards, paving the way for a potentially strong rainy season.

In 2024, the coast received record monsoon rainfall after a gap of five years. While the normal annual rainfall for the region is 3,101 mm, last year it recorded 3,736 mm. Dakshina Kannada saw 11% more rain than average, Udupi 13%, and Uttara Kannada received 31% excess rainfall. Overall, the coastal belt registered a 20% surplus.

With the pre-monsoon phase nearing its end this month, rainfall has already exceeded the seasonal average. From March to May 8, the increase in rainfall over normal levels has been significant across regions: South Interior Karnataka (43%), North Interior Karnataka (38%), Malnad (44%), and the coastal zone (63%). District-wise, Dakshina Kannada recorded 72% excess rainfall, Udupi 77%, and Uttara Kannada 49%.

Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had hinted at a promising monsoon with normal to above-normal rainfall. A detailed region-wise rainfall outlook is expected to be released by the end of this month.

With favourable developments in place, the coastal and other parts of Karnataka are likely to receive good monsoon rains this year. IMD’s latest climatic analysis further supports this outlook, suggesting a productive monsoon season ahead.