Bengaluru: Karnataka is facing growing concerns over drought and water availability as a persistent rainfall deficit combines with a sharp rise in temperatures across the state. Bengaluru and several districts have recorded temperatures 4 to 5 degrees Celsius higher than usual, with the mercury expected to reach 37°C in parts of Karnataka next week.
Weather expert C S Patil has warned that the continued lack of rainfall could push maximum temperatures higher in the coming days. Bengaluru, which has already experienced a noticeable increase in heat, could see temperatures rise to around 34°C next week.
The unusual weather conditions have raised concerns over water availability, particularly as declining soil moisture and inadequate reservoir storage add pressure to the state’s water resources.
Karnataka records sharp temperature rise
Despite the monsoon season still being underway, temperatures across Bengaluru and most districts of Karnataka have increased by 4 to 5°C, according to the report.
The reduced rainfall has been accompanied by declining cloud cover, allowing greater heating during the day. The resulting conditions are making the weather feel more like summer even though September is still part of the monsoon period.
Kalaburagi is expected to be among the warmer parts of the state, with temperatures forecast to reach between 36°C and 37°C next week. Such levels are more commonly associated with the peak summer months, making the possibility of such temperatures in September particularly notable.
Weather expert C S Patil has attributed the temperature increase largely to reduced rainfall and falling cloud cover.
Bengaluru faces water shortage concerns
The rainfall deficit is also creating concerns over Bengaluru’s water supply.
According to the report, declining soil moisture is contributing to the rise in temperatures, while continued dry conditions could increase pressure on the city’s water resources.
If the trend persists, parts of Bengaluru could begin facing water shortages. The state as a whole could also experience severe water scarcity if rainfall does not improve and reservoir levels remain inadequate.
The situation is particularly significant for Bengaluru because the city depends heavily on the Cauvery river system for its water supply.
Cauvery and KRS storage add to concerns
The rainfall shortage has also affected water accumulation in the Cauvery river system.
According to the Daijiworld report, water levels in the Cauvery have not risen substantially because of inadequate rainfall. Water received during the rains has also not accumulated sufficiently in the Krishnarajasagar (KRS) reservoir.
The state’s water position is further complicated by its obligation to release water to Tamil Nadu. With inflows and storage under pressure, continued releases could add to concerns about water availability for Karnataka, including Bengaluru.
The combination of low rainfall, inadequate reservoir storage and increasing temperatures could therefore make water management more challenging in the coming weeks.
Several districts already facing drought conditions
The water concern is not limited to Bengaluru.
Several districts across Karnataka are already experiencing drought-like conditions, while most reservoirs have not reached full capacity. Water storage remains below the levels considered necessary, raising concerns over availability for agriculture, domestic consumption and other requirements.
The situation comes at a time when higher temperatures could further increase water demand. As temperatures rise, evaporation and consumption can increase, potentially putting additional pressure on already limited resources.
The weather pattern also highlights the uneven impact of rainfall across the country. While some areas have experienced flooding and disruption, large parts of the country are dealing with inadequate rainfall and drought-like conditions.
Heat could create wider environmental risks
The sharp increase in temperatures has also raised concerns beyond Karnataka.
Experts have warned that sustained increases in heat could accelerate the melting of snow and ice on Himalayan mountain peaks, potentially creating additional environmental risks.
For Karnataka, however, the immediate concerns remain rainfall, temperatures and water availability. With the possibility of temperatures reaching 37°C in some districts next week, authorities and residents may face increasing pressure to conserve water and prepare for prolonged dry conditions.
Karnataka faces uncertain weeks ahead
The combination of deficient rainfall and rising temperatures presents a difficult situation for Karnataka as the monsoon season progresses.
While the state continues to await better rainfall, low reservoir storage and increased temperatures are creating fresh concerns over water security. Bengaluru’s expected rise to around 34°C and Kalaburagi’s forecast of up to 37°C next week indicate how sharply conditions have changed.
If rainfall remains inadequate, the pressure on reservoirs, groundwater and urban water supplies could intensify. The coming weeks will therefore be crucial for Karnataka’s water resources, particularly if the rainfall deficit persists.