Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, May 24: Even though there was plenty of sunshine in coastal Karnataka this year, there has been good rainfall too. The pre-monsoon rain has drenched these areas and all the taluks including those located at the foot of the Western Ghats got plenty of rains. Both Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts had encountered a shortfall of pre-monsoon rains last year.

The pre-monsoon rains, starting from March 1 till May 18, registered 400.3 mm rainfall in the Dakshina Kannada district. The average rainfall is 137.3 mm. This year, the rainfall registered during this season is 192 per cent more. Udupi got 360.2 mm rain as against its average of 89.8 mm rainfall. This means the district received 301 per cent more rains. As the rivers and rivulets flowing from the Western Ghats were recharged, the farmers are happy as they did not face the ordeal of having to search for water sources during summer months to keep their plantations and farms green.

Representational image

Last year, Dakshina Kannada had received 225 mm rain accounting for a seven per cent shortfall. Udupi got 15 per cent less at 172 mm till May end. This time the pre-monsoon rains might record new highs if the predicted cyclone casts its influence on the rainfall here.

Out of the taluks, Karkala got the highest rainfall of 462 mm. Puttur and Beltangady received 427 and 422 mm rain respectively.

The experts have predicted the monsoon to enter Kerala on June 1 and Karnataka on 3rd or 4th. But if the cyclone comes in between, the monsoon start might be delayed, they feel.