Udupi and Dakshina Kannada Lacking 39% of Expected Rainfall

A recent report indicates that the Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts in Karnataka are facing a significant rainfall shortfall, with only 61% of the normal seasonal rainfall received. This 39% deficit is calculated against the long‑term average rainfall for the region and reflects an ongoing dry spell that began early in the monsoon season.

This shortfall follows a pattern of below‑average rainfall in the coastal belt of Karnataka, where the monsoon has historically deposited 100–120 mm of rain per month during peak season. The deficit is likely due to changing atmospheric patterns and reduced moisture transport over the Arabian Sea. Local authorities and meteorological centers are monitoring ground water recharge, river flows and reservoir levels closely, as the lower rainfall jeopardises irrigation schedules, mainly for coconut, paddy, and horticulture crops that form the backbone of the local economy.

The impact of the rainfall deficit is already being felt: farmers are struggling to secure sufficient water for their fields and are concerned about crop yields and potential price hikes for agricultural produce. Government agencies are considering emergency measures such as water rationing, supplementary irrigation and the release of water from nearby dams. The shortfall also raises concerns about the likely strain on domestic water supplies for the district's growing population. Source: Google News – Udupi.