Only two Karnataka districts report normal southwest monsoon rainfall
New data shows only Belagavi and Bagalkot met normal rainfall levels in Karnataka from June 1 to August 20, with substantial deficits across other districts. By early August, Bengaluru was forecast to see light to moderate rain amid ongoing rainfall totals.
Key takeaways
- Belagavi and Bagalkot are the only two districts with normal rainfall in June 1–August 20 in Karnataka.
- The state overall experienced a 31% rainfall deficit against the long-term normal for the same period.
- Significant deficits were observed in Mysuru, Vijayanagar, and Chamarajanagar districts, with Mysuru showing the largest shortfall.
What Happened
According to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), only Belagavi and Bagalkot out of 31 districts in Karnataka received normal southwest monsoon rainfall for the period from June 1 to August 20. Belagavi recorded 400 mm of rainfall against a normal 441 mm (-9%), while Bagalkot received 167 mm against 196 mm (-15%). In contrast, Mysuru led the deficit among districts with a -58% departure, followed by Vijayanagar (-55%) and Chamarajanagar (-52%).
For the state as a whole, actual rainfall from June 1 to August 20 totaled 435 mm against a normal 629 mm, marking a deficit of about 31% and placing it in the deficit category. From August 1 to 20, the state recorded 127 mm of rainfall against the normal 158 mm, a -19% departure, which falls under the normal category.
IMD data cited by the report notes regional variations: South Interior Karnataka showed a 40% deficit, coastal districts 24%, North Interior Karnataka 20-30%, and Bengaluru city 50% below normal. In Bengaluru, rainfall had been occurring in the days leading up to August 20, with forecasts indicating light to moderate rain in some areas.
Observed rainfall figures on August 20 included Bengaluru City Observatory recording 6.3 mm, Kempegowda International Airport 3 mm, and HAL Airport 9.4 mm up to 5:30 p.m..
The report was published on August 20, 2026, at 10:11 pm IST.
Why It Matters
The rainfall pattern shows a broad regional deficit in Karnataka’s southwest monsoon, with only two districts achieving normal rainfall while many others fall short. The deficit could influence water resources, agricultural planning, and disaster preparedness across affected districts, especially in areas with large shortfalls relative to normal rainfall.
Background
KSDMA monitors rainfall against long-term normal values to assess drought risk and water resource availability. The latest figures indicate a diversified pattern within the state, with some districts underperforming compared with historical averages. The data reflect a broader monitoring of monsoon performance across Karnataka for the 2026 season.
Key Facts
- Belagavi district: 400 mm rainfall vs normal 441 mm (-9%) for June 1–Aug 20.
- Bagalkot district: 167 mm rainfall vs normal 196 mm (-15%) for June 1–Aug 20.
- Mysuru district: deficit of 58% for June 1–Aug 20 (highest in the state).
- Other notable deficits: Vijayanagar -55%, Chamarajanagar -52% (June 1–Aug 20).
- State total rainfall: 435 mm vs normal 629 mm (-31%) for June 1–Aug 20 (deficit).
- Aug 1–20 period: 127 mm vs 158 mm normal (-19%), classified as normal category.
- Regional IMD notes: South Interior Karnataka deficit 40%; coastal 24%; North Interior 20–30%; Bengaluru city 50% below normal.
- Bengaluru 20 Aug observations: city rainfall ongoing; 6.3 mm at City Observatory, 3 mm at Kempegowda Airport, 9.4 mm at HAL Airport (till 5:30 pm).
- Publication timestamp: 20 August 2026, 10:11 pm IST.
What Happens Next
Forecasts described in the report indicate continued potential for light to moderate rainfall in Bengaluru and surrounding areas in the near term, subject to the usual meteorological variations. No explicit next-step actions or policy measures are detailed in the source material.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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