Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 19: The southwest monsoon, which has been lashing the coastal region with heavy rains over the past few weeks, is now close to reaching its normal rainfall target.

From June to September, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts together are expected to receive 3,101 mm of rainfall. Between June and August 16, the region has already recorded 2,386 mm, leaving only 715 mm required to touch the normal target. With one and a half months of the monsoon season still left, more heavy showers are expected in the coming days.

The monsoon, which generally makes landfall in Kerala and subsequently reaches the Karnataka coast in the first week of June, arrived earlier this year. Instead of June 5, the monsoon hit the state on May 24, bringing widespread rainfall across the coast. Since its onset, the monsoon has remained active without significant weakening. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a fall in atmospheric pressure is likely to trigger further spells of heavy rain in the coming weeks.

So far, Dakshina Kannada district has received 2,547 mm of rainfall, Udupi 3,149 mm, and Uttara Kannada 2,044 mm. Overall, the coastal belt has recorded 2,386 mm.

In Dakshina Kannada, Beltangady taluk recorded 2,683.5 mm, Bantwal 2,604.3 mm, Mangaluru 2,234.4 mm, Puttur 2,227.4 mm, Sullia 2,391.3 mm, Moodbidri 2,799.1 mm, Kadaba 2,681.5 mm, Mulki 2,289.1 mm, and Ullal 2,295.4 mm.

In Udupi district, Karkala taluk recorded 3,064.1 mm, Kundapur 3,231.4 mm, Udupi 2,811.8 mm, Byndoor 3,279.1 mm, Brahmavar 2,893.6 mm, Kaup 2,646.1 mm, and Hebri received the highest with 3,473 mm.

Over the past few years, coastal Karnataka has witnessed significant variation in rainfall compared to the normal target of 3,101 mm. In 2018, the region received 3,104 mm, which was considered normal, while 2019 recorded 3,734 mm, a 20% surplus. In 2020, rainfall stood at 3,458 mm, 12% above normal. However, in 2021, the total dropped to 2,692 mm, marking a 13% deficit. The following year, 2022, again reached normal levels with 3,107 mm. In 2023, rainfall declined sharply to 2,514 mm, registering a 19% deficit. This year, 2024, the region has so far received 3,736 mm of rainfall, which is 20% above normal.

With the present trend, this year’s rainfall is also expected to cross the normal mark before the end of the season.