Why Is Kodagu Facing Rainfall Deficit Despite the Arrival of the Southwest Monsoon?

The Kodagu Express explains why Kodagu is among Karnataka’s rainfall-deficit districts despite the arrival of the southwest monsoon, and whether stronger rains are on the way.

Kodagu is among 12 Karnataka districts reporting below-normal rainfall so far this June, even as weather officials say monsoon activity could strengthen in the coming days.

The southwest monsoon officially arrived in Karnataka on June 4, bringing hopes of widespread rainfall across the State. However, nearly three weeks into the season, Karnataka has recorded significantly lower rainfall than normal, with Kodagu emerging as one of the districts experiencing a deficit.

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How much rain has Karnataka received so far?

According to data from the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), the State received 71 mm of rainfall between June 1 and June 18 against a normal average of 109 mm. This represents a rainfall departure of 35% below normal.

The shortfall has been particularly severe in regions that typically receive heavy monsoon showers. Malnad recorded 89 mm of rainfall against a normal 178 mm, a deficit of 50%, while the coastal region received 191 mm compared to its normal 419 mm, a deficit of 54%.

South Interior Karnataka received 44 mm against the normal 48 mm, while North Interior Karnataka recorded 53 mm against the normal 63 mm.

Why is Kodagu a concern?

Kodagu, one of Karnataka’s most important rain-fed districts and a key coffee-growing region, is among the 12 districts that have recorded deficit rainfall so far this month.

The district normally receives substantial rainfall during June, which marks the beginning of the peak monsoon season. Reduced rainfall can affect agriculture, water availability and the overall monsoon outlook for the district if the trend continues over a longer period.

Apart from Kodagu, districts such as Mysuru, Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada have also reported rainfall deficits.

Which areas have received normal or excess rainfall?

The rainfall pattern across Karnataka has been uneven. Five districts — Bagalkot, Raichur, Ballari, Chickballapur and Tumakuru — recorded large excess rainfall.

Twelve districts, including Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, Mandya, Dharwad and Belagavi, received rainfall within the normal range.

At the taluk level, 17 taluks recorded large excess rainfall, while 24 reported excess rainfall. However, 103 taluks received deficit rainfall and 30 taluks recorded large deficit rainfall, highlighting the widespread nature of the shortfall.

What does the monsoon forecast indicate?

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has already indicated that Karnataka is likely to receive below-normal rainfall during the southwest monsoon season from June to September.

The forecast suggests that Coastal Karnataka and South Interior Karnataka, which includes Kodagu, are expected to receive below-normal rainfall. North Interior Karnataka is likely to receive below- to near-normal rainfall.

Is there any relief in sight?

Meteorologists say the current weak phase of the monsoon may not last long. IMD scientist C.S. Patil has said that monsoon activity is expected to remain weak for another two to three days before intensifying around June 21 and 22.

According to the forecast, there is a 75% probability of rainfall in Coastal Karnataka early next week, while South Interior Karnataka has a 50% probability of receiving rain. This could bring much-needed rainfall to Kodagu and other deficit-hit districts, helping improve the monsoon situation during the latter part of June.

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