Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada district has recorded a 14 per cent deficit in pre-monsoon rainfall between January 1 and May 6, 2026, compared to normal levels, according to data released by the district administration and disaster management authority. While several taluks reported a significant shortfall in rainfall, Sullia emerged as the only taluk to register excess rainfall during the period.
The district’s average pre-monsoon rainfall stands at 95.6 mm. However, only 81.8 mm rainfall was recorded this year, raising concerns over water availability in several parts of the district ahead of the monsoon season.
Sharp decline in Mangaluru, Ullal and Bantwal
Among the worst-affected regions, Mangaluru taluk witnessed a substantial drop in rainfall. The taluk received only 39.3 mm rainfall during the January-May 6 period this year, compared to 84.4 mm recorded during the corresponding period last year. This represents a deficit of 53 per cent.
Ullal taluk also experienced a significant rainfall shortfall. Against its normal rainfall of 84.7 mm, the taluk received only 41.9 mm, resulting in a 51 per cent deficit. Bantwal taluk recorded a similar trend, receiving 39.5 mm rainfall against the normal 64.8 mm, registering a deficit of 39 per cent.
The rainfall shortage in these taluks has added pressure on local authorities managing drinking water supplies and groundwater resources.
Sullia records excess rainfall
In contrast to the overall district trend, Sullia taluk recorded above-normal rainfall during the pre-monsoon period. Against the normal rainfall of 112.6 mm, the taluk received 149 mm rainfall, representing an increase of 32 per cent.
Sullia had also recorded excess rainfall in January, indicating a consistent pattern of higher precipitation. During April alone, the taluk registered a 7 per cent rainfall surplus, making it the only region in the district to experience favourable rainfall conditions during the season.
The excess rainfall in Sullia has helped maintain water levels and reduce concerns regarding water scarcity in the taluk.
Other taluks also report deficits
Several other taluks across Dakshina Kannada reported below-normal rainfall during the period under review.
Puttur taluk registered a 30 per cent deficit, receiving 50.7 mm rainfall against the normal 72.5 mm. Kadaba taluk recorded a 22 per cent shortfall with 104.3 mm rainfall compared to its normal 133.7 mm.
Moodbidri and Mulki taluks also witnessed notable declines in rainfall, recording deficits of 39 per cent and 37 per cent respectively. Meanwhile, Beltangady remained relatively stable, registering only a marginal 1 per cent rainfall deficit and maintaining near-normal precipitation levels.
The uneven distribution of rainfall across taluks highlights varying local weather patterns within the district.
April rainfall remains below normal
The district experienced a particularly weak rainfall performance during April. Against the normal rainfall of 54.6 mm, only 36.7 mm rainfall was recorded during the month, representing a decline of 33 per cent.
Mangaluru, Ullal and Bantwal taluks were among the regions that received the least rainfall during April. The reduced precipitation has affected water storage levels and increased dependence on alternative water supply arrangements in vulnerable areas.
Officials noted that although rainfall activity is generally expected to increase during May, several parts of the district continued to experience weak precipitation during the period.
Water scarcity intensifies in several regions
The rainfall deficit has contributed to worsening water scarcity in some parts of Dakshina Kannada, particularly in Ullal, where drinking water shortages have become severe.
Authorities are currently supplying water through tanker services, with six tanker trips being conducted daily across two gram panchayat limits in Ullal. Similar concerns have emerged in Vittal and Mulki regions, where water availability has been affected by reduced rainfall and declining groundwater levels.
Mulki has reported one of the highest tanker dependencies, with 16 tanker trips being operated daily to meet drinking water requirements.
The situation has prompted local administrations to closely monitor water resources and ensure uninterrupted supply until monsoon rainfall improves conditions.
IMD hopeful of better monsoon rainfall
Despite the current deficit, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) remains optimistic about the upcoming monsoon season. Weather experts have indicated that favourable monsoon winds could bring improved rainfall across the region in the coming weeks.
An IMD scientist said that while some districts in Karnataka have received satisfactory pre-monsoon rainfall, others have not received the expected amount. The official added that there is a possibility of good rainfall activity in the coming days due to the influence of monsoon winds.
However, meteorologists also noted that the eventual rainfall outcome would depend on factors such as the formation of low-pressure systems and cyclone activity over surrounding seas, which continue to be monitored closely.
Conclusion
Dakshina Kannada’s 14 per cent pre-monsoon rainfall deficit has raised concerns over water availability in several taluks, particularly Mangaluru, Ullal and Bantwal. While Sullia has bucked the trend with excess rainfall, many regions are already facing drinking water shortages and increasing reliance on tanker supplies. Authorities and residents are now looking towards the southwest monsoon, hoping for above-normal rainfall to ease the emerging water crisis across the district.