Bengaluru,15 Oct (H.S.): Karnataka recorded a 32% rainfall deficit during the 2026 southwest monsoon, its worst shortfall since 1918, raising concerns over water availability next summer, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The state received 563.7 mm of rain between June 1 and September 30 against a normal of 831.8 mm. The deficit surpassed the 31% recorded in 2002 and the 18% shortfall in 2023. In 1918, Karnataka registered a 47% deficit.

South Interior Karnataka, comprising 17 districts, was the worst affected subdivision, recording a 36% shortfall. Rainfall stood at 432.9 mm against the normal 678.4 mm.

North Interior Karnataka, covering 11 districts, received 329.1 mm against an expected 480.8 mm, a deficit of 32%. Coastal Karnataka’s three districts recorded a 28% shortfall, receiving 2,226.7 mm against the normal 3,093.9 mm.

Ramanagara reported the steepest district-level deficit at 87%, receiving just 59.2 mm against a normal of 459.6 mm. Belagavi was the only district to record normal rainfall, receiving 572 mm against an average of 573.3 mm.

IMD Bengaluru Director N. Puviarasan said the scale of the shortfall was concerning. Although the southwest monsoon arrived and withdrew later than usual, its seasonal rainfall assessment covers June through September, he explained.

Rain received during October, including showers associated with the southwest monsoon’s withdrawal, is accounted for under the October northeast monsoon season, he said.

The southwest monsoon withdrew from the country on October 14, according to the department.

The IMD attributed the weak rainfall to El Nino and regional weather conditions, warning that these factors could also affect the northeast monsoon.

Weather experts cautioned that another spell of deficient rainfall could deepen Karnataka’s water shortage before summer. The outlook has heightened concerns over drinking water supplies and irrigation requirements after a season that left all three meteorological subdivisions with substantial rainfall deficits this year.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman