Karnataka records 32% monsoon deficit, highest since 1918

Bengaluru, Oct 21: Karnataka has recorded a severe rainfall deficit of 32% during the 2026 southwest monsoon season, from June 1 to September 30, marking the highest deficit since 1918, when the state recorded a 47% shortfall, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The state recorded a rainfall deficit of 31% in 2002 and 18% in 2023. The 47% deficit recorded in 1918 remains the highest on record for the region.

Karnataka normally receives 831.8 mm of rainfall between June 1 and September 30. However, the state received only 563.7 mm this year, according to IMD data.

The southwest monsoon officially withdrew from the country on October 14. Current weather forecasts indicate the possibility of below-normal rainfall during the upcoming northeast monsoon season as well, raising concerns about a worsening water crisis in the state by next summer.

Bengaluru IMD director N Puviyarasan said the southwest monsoon had completely withdrawn from Karnataka over the past couple of days, with no rainfall recorded in the state during this period. Compared with recent years, the 32% rainfall deficit this year is a matter of concern, he said.

The period from June to September is generally considered the southwest monsoon season, and rainfall statistics are recorded for this period, he explained. This year, however, the southwest monsoon arrived late in Karnataka and its withdrawal was also delayed.

Although rainfall received in Karnataka during October was associated with the withdrawal phase of the southwest monsoon, it is meteorologically recorded as northeast monsoon rainfall from October onwards, he said.

South Interior Karnataka, comprising 17 districts, recorded the highest rainfall deficit of 36%. Against the normal rainfall of 678.4 mm, the region received only 432.9 mm.

North Interior Karnataka, comprising 11 districts, recorded a deficit of 32%. The region received 329.1 mm against the normal rainfall of 480.8 mm.

Coastal Karnataka, comprising three districts, recorded a rainfall deficit of 28%. Against the normal rainfall of 3,093.9 mm, the region received 2,226.7 mm.

According to district-wise rainfall figures, Ramanagara recorded the highest deficit in the state at 87%. The district received only 59.2 mm of rainfall against the normal of 459.6 mm.

Belagavi was the only district to receive rainfall close to its normal level. The district recorded 572 mm against the normal rainfall of 573.3 mm.

The IMD said the southwest monsoon rainfall in India was below normal this year due to the influence of El Niño and local weather conditions.

The same factors could also affect the northeast monsoon, the department warned, raising the possibility of a rainfall deficit persisting across the state throughout the year.