Mangaluru, Jun 4: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced the entry of the south-west monsoon into Karnataka on Sunday. However, weather experts have noted that the onset of the monsoon lacks intensity this year.
When the rain-bearing clouds arrived in Kerala from the Indian Ocean, they lacked the necessary intensity for heavy rainfall. Despite the monsoon reaching Kerala a few days earlier, significant rain was not observed. The monsoon entered Karnataka on June 2, and it is expected to hit the coastal region with full force by June 5.
Weather expert Sai Shekhar stated, “In the last five years, the onset of the monsoon has been inconsistent, often losing momentum due to cyclones and low-pressure areas. Previously, the monsoon would coincide with the end of summer holidays and the start of the school term. This year, although schools have resumed, heavy rains are yet to occur.”
The pre-monsoon period, from March to May, has ended in Karnataka. During this period, various regions experienced heavy rainfall. In the Dakshina Kannada (DK) and Udupi districts, pre-monsoon showers significantly alleviated drinking water shortages. DK district received 326 mm of rainfall against the expected 237 mm, while Udupi received 257 mm compared to the expected 199 mm. This is a significant increase from last year, where there was a rainfall deficit of 51% in DK and 73% in Udupi.