Karnataka Records Deficit Pre-Monsoon Rainfall in 11 Districts Amid Heatwave

Eleven districts in Karnataka, including Bengaluru Urban, experienced deficit pre-monsoon rainfall between March 1 and May 11, 2026, according to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC). Significant deficits were recorded in Mysuru (-50%), Kodagu (-48%), and Chitradurga (-44%), while sixteen other districts received normal rainfall. Conversely, Dharwad and Kalaburagi saw large excess rainfall. The state has also faced intense summer heat, with north-interior regions exceeding 40°C and Bengaluru staying above 35°C for most of April. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a further temperature rise of 2-3°C in north-interior Karnataka over the next five days, while coastal and south-interior areas remain stable. Looking ahead, the IMD predicts below-normal southwest monsoon rainfall for most of Karnataka from June to September 2026, although northeast and southeast-interior regions may receive normal to above-normal precipitation. This weather pattern raises concerns regarding water availability and agricultural planning for the upcoming season.