Karnataka recorded no rainfall in six districts between October 1 and 8, while only Bengaluru Urban and Kolar received rainfall considered normal for the period, according to data based on an India Meteorological Department report and available with the Karnataka State Disaster Management Centre.
The shortfall comes as the state moves towards the northeast monsoon period after four months in which rainfall remained below normal across large parts of Karnataka. The deficit was particularly severe in northern districts, where the reported rainfall shortfall reached 100% in six districts.
Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Vijayapura and Bagalkot recorded no rainfall during the eight-day period. The report classified these districts as facing a 100% deficit. Ten other districts recorded rainfall below normal, while 13 districts were placed in the category of severe deficiency.
Bengaluru Urban received 53 mm of rainfall and Kolar recorded 39 mm, the only two districts described as having normal rainfall during the period. The figures are significant for urban water planning because rainfall in and around the Bengaluru region influences local storage, groundwater recharge and the pressure placed on municipal and regional water systems.
Several districts recorded limited rainfall but remained below their usual levels. Mandya received 10 mm, Tumakuru 17 mm, Chitradurga 6 mm, Davanagere 4 mm, Shivamogga 11 mm, Haveri 8 mm, Uttara Kannada 7 mm, Vijayanagara 5 mm, Ballari 4 mm, Koppal 5 mm, Gadag 4 mm, Dharwad 13 mm and Belagavi 5 mm.
The report also recorded 42 mm in Udupi, 69 mm in Dakshina Kannada, 27 mm in Chikkamagaluru, 21 mm in Hassan, 29 mm in Chikkaballapur, 32 mm in Bengaluru Rural, 29 mm in Bengaluru South, 32 mm in Kodagu, 21 mm in Mysuru and 20 mm in Chamarajanagar. These districts were also reported to have received less rain than normal.
The uneven distribution means that a few locations received measurable rainfall while large parts of the state continued to face water stress. For cities, the immediate concern is not only the amount of rain received but also whether rainfall is sufficient to replenish reservoirs, lakes and groundwater before the next dry period. The supplied report does not provide reservoir storage levels or municipal water-supply projections.
The Karnataka State Disaster Management Centre’s data indicates that rainfall conditions could remain weak during October. The report states that the possibility of substantial rainfall during the month is low, with some areas receiving rain in the first week before conditions ease. Further official updates will determine whether the deficit widens or improves across the state.
