Bengaluru: The Garden City experienced an unusually dry June this year, with only 32.2 mm of rainfall recorded — 57% below the normal June average of 74.9 mm, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Bengaluru Rural also fared poorly, logging just 33.5 mm of rain, which is 50% below the seasonal average. IMD officials attribute the deficit to early monsoon activity and significant rainfall recorded in May.
“This shortfall is mainly because the monsoon arrived earlier than usual, bringing substantial showers in May,” said Dr. N Puviarasan, Scientist ‘F’ and head of IMD Bengaluru. He noted that while coastal Karnataka and the Western Ghats received good rainfall in June, interior districts like Bengaluru, Chikkaballapur, Kolar, and Raichur witnessed poor distribution.
Rainfall in eastern Karnataka has been particularly deficient, the IMD stated.
However, forecasts are optimistic for the coming weeks. “South and North Interior Karnataka are likely to receive rainfall towards the third week of July,” Puviarasan added. Meanwhile, coastal and Ghat areas are expected to see showers over the next three to four days, and a heavy rain alert has been issued for coastal Karnataka.
Citizens in Bengaluru may have to wait a bit longer for monsoon relief, but improved rainfall is on the horizon.