Mangaluru: Heavy rainfall during the first four days of August has brought significant relief to the monsoon situation in coastal Karnataka, with Dakshina Kannada and Udupi recording substantial excess rainfall during the period. The intense spell has helped narrow the seasonal rainfall deficit, particularly in Udupi, while Dakshina Kannada has also shown signs of a gradual recovery.

According to data from the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), Dakshina Kannada received 270 mm of rainfall between August 1 and 4, against the normal 153.2 mm for the period. This translates to 76.24 per cent excess rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that similar rainfall activity could continue over the coming week, offering hope that the coastal districts may make further progress towards overcoming their cumulative rainfall shortfall.

Dakshina Kannada records strong August rainfall

Dakshina Kannada had entered August with a considerable rainfall deficit after a relatively weak southwest monsoon during June and July. The district recorded a 57.42 per cent deficit in June, but improved rainfall activity in July helped reduce the monthly shortfall to 18.47 per cent.

The latest rainfall has provided another significant boost. Between June 1 and August 4, Dakshina Kannada received 1,669.6 mm of rainfall, compared with the normal 2,313.1 mm. The cumulative deficit currently stands at 27.82 per cent.

The district’s average daily rainfall during August 1–4 was recorded at 100.6 mm. Weather officials have noted that rainfall activity over the next two to three weeks will be particularly important in determining whether the district can substantially close the remaining gap.

If the current wet spell persists, Dakshina Kannada could continue to make rapid gains in its cumulative rainfall figures. However, experts have cautioned that a few days of intense rainfall alone may not be enough to completely erase the deficit accumulated during the earlier months.

Udupi sees dramatic turnaround

Udupi has witnessed an equally notable change in its rainfall situation following continuous heavy showers.

The district had recorded a 50 per cent rainfall deficit in June and was still facing a 39 per cent deficit at the end of July. Between August 1 and 4, however, Udupi received 275 mm of rainfall, against the normal 171 mm, resulting in 61 per cent excess rainfall during the four-day period.

Despite this sharp improvement, the cumulative rainfall position remains below normal. Udupi has received 1,891 mm of rainfall against the normal 2,725 mm since June 1, leaving a cumulative deficit of around 31 per cent.

The recent spell has therefore not completely eliminated the seasonal shortfall, but it has considerably improved the immediate rainfall situation. Continued wet conditions in the coming weeks could further reduce the deficit.

Hakladi records state’s highest rainfall

The intensity of the recent spell was evident from rainfall recorded at several locations across coastal Karnataka.

Hakladi in Kundapur taluk recorded 189 mm of rainfall, the highest rainfall reported in Karnataka during the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on August 4.

Agumbe in Shivamogga district followed with 170 mm, while Shirthady in Dakshina Kannada recorded 133.5 mm, making it the highest rainfall location in the district during the period.

Several parts of Udupi district also experienced exceptionally heavy showers. Hebri and Hengavalli-Amparu recorded more than 170 mm, while Chittoor, Mala and Nadpalu in Kundapur taluk received over 160 mm.

Nada, Molahalli, Neere, Hardalli-Mandalli and Basrur recorded rainfall ranging between 140 mm and 160 mm.

The widespread nature of the rainfall indicates that the recent improvement has not been confined to isolated pockets. Several taluks across the coastal belt have benefited from the sustained spell.

Kundapur leads Udupi rainfall figures

Udupi district recorded an average rainfall of 104.4 mm during the period, with considerable variation between taluks.

Kundapur recorded the highest taluk-level average at 135.6 mm, followed by Hebri at 126.2 mm. Karkala received 97.7 mm, while Byndoor recorded 97 mm.

Udupi taluk received 82.3 mm, Brahmavar recorded 76.6 mm and Kapu received 57.2 mm.

The figures underline the widespread impact of the rainfall across the district, even though some areas received significantly more rain than others.

Rivers and groundwater receive a boost

The strong August rainfall has also brought relief to the region’s water resources. The heavy showers have helped replenish rivers, reservoirs and groundwater reserves across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.

This is particularly significant after the rainfall deficit recorded during the early part of the southwest monsoon. Sustained rainfall is important not only for agriculture but also for maintaining water availability during the later stages of the monsoon and beyond.

At the same time, the intensity of the rainfall has raised the possibility of localised flooding, landslides and disruption in vulnerable areas. Coastal Karnataka has experienced several weather-related incidents during the current monsoon, making continued monitoring necessary even as the rainfall deficit improves.

Next few weeks crucial for monsoon recovery

The recent rainfall has changed the outlook for Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, but weather experts say the monsoon recovery is not complete yet.

Dakshina Kannada continues to face a cumulative deficit of 27.82 per cent, while Udupi’s cumulative shortfall remains around 31 per cent. The excess rainfall recorded during August 1–4 has helped narrow the gap, but sustained rainfall will be required to make a substantial difference to the seasonal figures.

The next two to three weeks could therefore prove decisive. If the current rainfall pattern continues, both districts could make further progress towards normalising their monsoon totals. Conversely, a prolonged dry spell could once again slow the recovery.

For now, the intense beginning to August has offered much-needed relief to coastal Karnataka. With rivers and groundwater receiving fresh inflows and rainfall activity remaining strong, the region enters the next phase of the southwest monsoon with renewed hopes of a stronger recovery.