Bengaluru/Mangaluru: Karnataka has received widespread rainfall in the early weeks of the pre-monsoon season, suggesting a strong beginning ahead of the monsoon. From March 1 till date, the state has recorded an average rainfall of 30.1 mm, which is nearly 97 percent higher than the usual 15.3 mm expected during this period.

Rainfall has been significantly above normal across all major regions of the state. In South Interior Karnataka, 35.2 mm of rain was recorded against the normal of 17.8 mm, marking a 98 percent increase. North Interior Karnataka received 17 mm of rain compared to the usual 12 mm, a 42 percent rise. Malnad regions saw 52.1 mm of rain, which is 122 percent more than the normal 23.5 mm. The coastal region, however, recorded the most dramatic increase, with 45 mm of rainfall against the average of 14.5 mm—an excess of 210 percent.

This spell of pre-monsoon showers is being linked to the unusually short winter the state experienced this year. In coastal Karnataka, the winter phase ended even earlier than expected. Summer-like conditions took over in February itself, bringing with it high temperatures and dry heat. In many areas, the mercury crossed 40 degrees Celsius, which led to rapid atmospheric changes. The intense heat triggered the formation of rain-bearing clouds, resulting in evening showers despite the scorching afternoons.

Rainfall has been nearly uniform across the state, with only five districts in North Karnataka showing a slight shortfall. These include Koppal, Raichur, Yadgir, Bidar, and Bagalkote. The shortfall in these districts ranges between 7 to 17 percent, while the rest of the state has seen either normal or above-normal rainfall.

The coastal region, in particular, has received the highest amount of rainfall. In Dakshina Kannada, 78 mm of rainfall was recorded as against the average of 27.7 mm, resulting in an increase of 182 percent. Udupi district saw 34.3 mm of rain compared to the usual 13.8 mm—an excess of 149 percent. Uttara Kannada recorded 33.4 mm of rainfall, while the normal is only 7.9 mm. This marked an astonishing 323 percent increase. Overall, the coastal region registered 45 mm of rainfall as against the normal of 14.5 mm, showing a 210 percent rise.

Over the last five years, Karnataka has consistently received more than the average rainfall during the March-to-May pre-monsoon window. While the normal for this period is 119.6 mm, the state received 166 mm in 2021, 237 mm in 2022, 116 mm in 2023, and 159.5 mm in 2024.

Weather expert Dr. Rajegowda from the University of Agricultural Sciences in Bengaluru stated that the pre-monsoon rainfall has already begun and is progressing well across the state. He added that normal rainfall is expected this year too. According to him, in some areas, the rise in temperature has contributed to the formation of rain clouds, leading to frequent and intense showers.