Karnataka receiving good rains, monsoon may arrive early

After two consecutive year of  drought, Karnataka is receiving a good pre-monsoon showers this year in the month of  May. The state may receive wide spread rains from May 24.

From January to May 20, 2017, the state has received normal rainfall. The average rainfall should have been 92 mm, while the present average received is 93 mm, according to Dr G S Srinivasa Reddy, Director, Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre.

Among the four divisions in the state, it is the South Interior Karnataka comprising 11 districts, which has received more than the normal rains from the beginning of May. For the average of 29 mm, the south interior have received 34 mm rainfall.

Among 11 districts, it is Kolar which has received the highest rains from last two weeks. The average rain the district receives during this period is 45 mm but it has received 87 mm. The next blessed district is Ramanagara, which has received 74% more rains than the average of 72 mm. Both Tumkuru and Davangere districts have been facing paucity of rains.

Among the 12 districts in the North Interior Karnataka, Ballari and Koppal districts have received impressive rains. Kalaburgi, Yadgir, Bidar, Vijayapura, Belagavi and Haveri districts have received 22 to 44 mm rains below the normal, according to Reddy.

The average rainfall in the Malnad region consisting four districts should have been 137 mm. However, it has received just 2 mm more than the normal. But the three coastal districts have not been so lucky. They have received 85 mm, 12% lesser than the normal rains.

Reddy said, “The state may receive normal monsoon rains too. While the state witnessed partial drought in the last six years, it was extensive in the last two years.”

Asked when the monsoon may arrive in the state, the director said, “The monsoon rains could hit the state by the end of May itself as the monsoon has arrived in the Andaman five days ahead of the schedule.”