Rainfall Likely to Ease in Bengaluru and Nearby Districts

In the coming days, Karnataka is expected to witness a reduction in rainfall intensity, bringing some relief to residents, particularly in the coastal and Malnad regions that have been experiencing persistent downpours. According to a weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday, rainfall will remain fairly widespread until Monday. However, from Tuesday onward, it is expected to become scattered across various regions of the state. In coastal Karnataka, while rain will continue, it will be of reduced intensity.

Bengaluru and other districts in South Interior Karnataka are also likely to see a decrease in rainfall over the next few days. This change comes after weeks of mixed rainfall patterns across the state. Despite the overall monsoon season showing normal rainfall figures for Karnataka, the southern interior parts of the state are facing a significant rainfall deficit.

Between June 1 and July 5, South Interior Karnataka recorded an overall deficit of 23%, receiving just 57 mm of rain as compared to the normal average of 74 mm. Bengaluru Urban district has seen an even larger shortfall, with a 31% deficit. The city recorded only 54 mm of rainfall against a normal level of 69 mm for this period. This shortage stands in contrast to the pre-monsoon period between March 1 and May 31, during which Bengaluru received more than double its normal rainfall, contributing to early water availability in the region.

Across Karnataka, rainfall distribution has been uneven. Four districts have recorded excess rainfall—defined as 20% or more above the normal level. Fourteen districts have received rainfall within the normal range. However, thirteen districts are currently reporting a rainfall deficit of 20% or more below the average, highlighting the state’s diverse and region-specific weather impact.

The early and intense pre-monsoon rains played a key role in filling major reservoirs in southern Karnataka. One of the most significant developments this year was the Krishnarajasagar (KRS) Dam reaching full capacity in June, marking the first time it did so this early in the season. As a result, dam outflows were increased to manage the inflow and prevent flooding. As of now, the KRS Dam holds 47.63 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water, just slightly below its full storage capacity of 49.45 TMC. In comparison, the same date last year recorded only 23.05 TMC of water in the reservoir, indicating a substantial improvement in water levels this year due to early rains.

Meanwhile, the northern districts of Karnataka, particularly along the Krishna River basin, continue to receive significant water inflows. In Almatti Dam located in Bagalkot district, the inflow has been steady at around 1.02 lakh cusecs per day. Current storage at the Almatti Dam stands at 87.74 TMC, significantly higher than the 48.98 TMC recorded on the same date last year.

In summary, while parts of Karnataka like the coastal and northern districts are experiencing abundant rainfall and rising dam levels, South Interior Karnataka, including Bengaluru, faces notable rainfall deficits. The reduction in rainfall over the coming days is expected to bring temporary relief, especially in flood-prone areas, while water storage remains strong in key reservoirs due to a strong pre-monsoon season.