Karnataka is expected to welcome the southwest monsoon by the end of May, earlier than its usual arrival in early June. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted above-average rainfall for several parts of the state. While the monsoon’s progress is being closely watched, a slight delay is possible, which could push the arrival to June 1 or 2. India is expecting an overall 104% excess rainfall this season.
As per IMD officials, the southwest monsoon is expected to set over Kerala by May 27, with an error margin of 3-4 days. “Normally, it takes four days for the monsoon to travel from Kerala to Karnataka. Hopefully, Karnataka will welcome the monsoon by May-end,” said CS Patil, a meteorologist at IMD, Bengaluru, reported The Times of India.
IMD scientists, based on various models, are forecasting 20% above-normal rainfall for districts in south-interior and parts of north-interior Karnataka. GS Srinivasa Reddy, former director of the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre, noted that the monsoon has already advanced into areas of the South Bay of Bengal, South Andaman Sea, and Nicobar Islands.
There has been rainfall over the past 48 hours, with some isolated heavy showers, which is consistent with the monsoon’s progress toward peninsular India. However, if a trough or upper-air circulation forms in the region, it could affect the monsoon’s advance. Reddy explained even if it weakens due to Westerlies or other systems, it will be delayed by 4-5 days and may enter Karnataka by June 1 or 2.
IMD officials said there will be surplus rainfall over the southern parts and “satisfactory rainfall” in parts of North Karnataka region.
