Alarm bells over shifting rainfall pattern

This year saw the highest post-monsoon rainfall in 50 years

The post-monsoon rainfall from October through November across Karnataka this year was the highest in the last 50 years. This accentuated the growing concerns that the shifting monsoon patterns being witnessed in recent years is induced by climate change and, in turn, could have a bearing on agriculture and crop output.

Two years ago, there was a prolonged dry spell during the south west monsoon and the reservoirs in the State had only 4% of their gross storage capacity till the end of July. But between August 3 and 10, 2019, the State received 224 mm of rainfall and the departure from normal for the period was the highest for more than 120 years.

Since the last few years, the timely onset of south west monsoon in the first week of June is followed by a monsoon-break during July. But come August, and there is a downpour that neutralises the rainfall deficit in a span of a week, resulting in loss of life and widespread damage to property.