Moderate rain continues over coastal Karnataka, rain deficit lingers

Coastal Karnataka has been receiving light to moderate rainfall since last few days. During the last 24 hours, Karwar recorded 31 mm rainfall, Honavar 39 mm, Mangalore 36 mm, and Agumbe 25 mm. But despite getting good rains, the region is still facing a Monsoon rainfall deficit of -24% (from June 1 to July 25).

The reason for deficit rainfall in coastal Karnataka is that the normal of this region is very high as southwest Monsoon normally remains active over Kerala and coastal Karnataka. But this year, only two episodes of good rains were experienced in June. Whereas in July, rainfall in the first week of the month was subdued in nature. This was due to the weakening of the off-shore trough.

Now a low pressure area is hovering above Madhya Pradesh and adjoining Rajasthan, and its effect is being felt up to Gujarat. Heavy to very heavy rain is normally associated with a low pressure or depression over west central Arabian Sea.

But unfortunately this year, no such system has developed in the region. Only two weather systems, Cyclone Ashobaa and another depression over North Arabian Sea near Gujarat coast, developed this season which gave good rains over Gujarat and coastal Maharashtra.

However coastal Karnataka remains unaffected by these systems. As per Skymet Meteorology Division in India, no such system is expected in July which can increase rainfall activity over coastal Karnataka. Thus there is a chance that coastal Karnataka region may end July with deficit rainfall only.

(Featured Image Credit: mangalorean.com)