Bengaluru, 30 July

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread light to moderate rain across Karnataka over the next week, with strong surface winds expected to persist across several regions. Wind speeds may reach 50–60kmph in North Interior districts such as Belagavi, Bidar, Kalaburagi and Koppal, prompting the IMD to issue warnings to fishermen and port authorities in Karwar, Mangaluru, Panambur, and other coastal towns.

Coastal Karnataka — including Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada — is expected to receive sustained rain and winds up to 40kmph until 5 August. South Interior Karnataka (SIK) districts such as Shivamogga, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Bengaluru may see scattered showers with winds of 40–50 kmph.

Despite the forecast, rainfall data up to 29 July reveals worrying trends: SIK continues to face a significant deficit. HAL Airport in Bengaluru recorded a 29 per cent shortfall, while Bengaluru Urban saw a 42 per cent deficit. Mysuru (-99 per cent) Hassan (-208 per cent), and Chamarajanagar (-52 per cent) are among the worst hit.

North Interior Karnataka also remains parched, with Koppal reporting an 85 per cent deficit.

“While urban regions may benefit from reduced flooding, agriculture is severely impacted,” said senior IMD scientist CS Patil. “The rainfall shortfall directly affects sowing and crop yields.”

In City, the cooler spell continues, with 28 July maximum temperature dropping to 26.6°C — 1.4°C below normal. On 29 July, the maximum stood at 27°C, while the minimum was 19.3°C — 0.7°C below average.