Mangaluru: Large parts of coastal Karnataka are witnessing unusually dry, summer-like conditions despite the progress of the southwest monsoon, with Dakshina Kannada district recording a significant 54 per cent rainfall deficit and rivers showing alarming signs of depletion. The weak monsoon has already begun affecting agriculture, water resources and daily life across the region, raising concerns among farmers and officials alike.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had initially forecast the onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala by May 29. However, the monsoon officially arrived only on June 4 before advancing into Karnataka through the coastal belt. Soon after its arrival, the monsoon weakened considerably, leading to a sharp decline in rainfall across Dakshina Kannada.

Rainfall witnesses sharp decline

Official figures indicate a dramatic drop in rainfall compared to last year. Between June 1 and June 19, 2025, Dakshina Kannada received 998.8 mm of rainfall. During the corresponding period this year, the district recorded only 229.1 mm of rainfall.

The district has also fallen significantly short of its normal rainfall benchmark of 502 mm for the period, resulting in a rainfall deficit of 54 per cent. Last year, Dakshina Kannada had recorded an overall excess rainfall of 8 per cent, making this year’s decline one of the sharpest in recent years.

Meteorological experts attribute the weak rainfall pattern to a temporary weakening of monsoon systems over the Arabian Sea and the absence of strong weather disturbances that usually bring heavy rains to the coastal districts during June.

Every taluk reports rainfall shortage

The rainfall deficiency has been reported across all taluks of Dakshina Kannada.

Between June 1 and June 19 last year, Belthangady recorded 1,121.1 mm of rainfall, Bantwal 1,034.9 mm, Mangaluru 880.4 mm, Puttur 881.2 mm, Sullia 869.5 mm, Moodbidri 1,144.4 mm, Kadaba 981.2 mm, Mulki 930.5 mm and Ullal 799.9 mm.

During the same period this year, rainfall figures dropped sharply to 210.5 mm in Belthangady, 218 mm in Bantwal, 307.2 mm in Mangaluru, 168.9 mm in Puttur, 203 mm in Sullia, 227.2 mm in Moodbidri, 264.8 mm in Kadaba, 288.4 mm in Mulki and 327.9 mm in Ullal.

Even during 2025, Mangaluru, Puttur, Mulki and Ullal had received below-normal rainfall. However, the district eventually ended the season with an overall rainfall surplus. This year, the deficit has spread across all taluks, creating greater concern.

Rivers and water sources begin to shrink

The weak monsoon has already begun affecting river systems and water storage structures in the district.

Following the initial rains during the first week of June, authorities had opened the gates of several barrages and dams after water levels rose temporarily. The gate of the Biliyooru barrage near Uppinangady was opened as the Netravathi River swelled due to early monsoon showers.

However, with rainfall failing to continue, water levels in the Netravathi have dropped sharply. Large stretches of the river at Uppinangady now appear nearly dry, presenting a stark contrast to the river’s condition just days earlier.

A similar situation has emerged in the Payaswini River in Sullia. Barrage gates were opened after the first monsoon showers, but the subsequent dry spell caused water levels to recede significantly, triggering concerns over drinking water availability. Authorities later carried out desilting operations and arranged water flow towards the jackwell to ensure water supply.

Several small streams, rivulets and natural water channels that briefly came alive following the initial rains have once again begun drying up.

Farmers fear impact on paddy cultivation

The prolonged dry spell is causing growing anxiety among paddy farmers across the district. Many farmers are currently preparing fields for transplantation, but the lack of sustained rainfall has delayed agricultural operations and increased uncertainty about the upcoming cultivation season.

Agricultural experts have warned that inadequate rainfall could adversely affect the second and third phases of paddy transplantation. Many farmers now fear they may be able to undertake only one phase of planting if the rainfall situation does not improve.

At the same time, arecanut growers believe that reduced rainfall may lower the risk of Koleroga, a fungal disease that spreads during prolonged wet conditions. The dry weather has also allowed plantation owners to undertake pesticide spraying operations more effectively.

Netravathi river highlights severity of the situation

The seriousness of the weak monsoon is perhaps most evident in the condition of the Netravathi River. On June 19, 2025, the river at Uppinangady was flowing bank-full following heavy rains. Photographs taken on June 19, 2026, show dramatically reduced water levels and exposed stretches of the riverbed.

The comparative photographs were shared by Dinesh B, leader of the Uppinangady Flood Protection Team, highlighting the stark transformation in the river’s condition within a year.

“This year’s monsoon has clearly weakened. If rainfall does not improve before the end of June, paddy farmers are likely to face difficulties. Paddy nursery activities are currently under way, and if adequate rainfall is not received before transplantation begins in July, cultivation will be affected. Alternative measures will also be considered,” said Honnappa Gowda, Joint Director of the Agriculture Department in Mangaluru.

With the district heavily dependent on monsoon rains for agriculture and water resources, residents and farmers are now hoping for a revival of rainfall in the coming days to avert a larger crisis.