Dakshina Kannada reels under sweltering heat as mercury soars

PTI, May 15, 2023, 9:35 AM IST

Representative image

Mangaluru: Following the cessation of rainfall in the district, Dakshina Kannada (DK) is experiencing a surge in humidity and temperature.

After heavy showers drenched the city on Saturday morning, causing the mercury to plummet to 30.8 degrees Celsius, but Sunday witnessed a noticeable absence of rain throughout Dakshina Kannada (DK). Consequently, the temperature rose by 5 degrees Celsius, reaching a sweltering 35 degrees Celsius.

According to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management Centre (KSNDMC) forecast, there are currently no indications of heavy rainfall in the coastal region. However, a slight drizzle is expected on Monday and Tuesday.

Normal monsoon expected

While the pre-monsoon rains have significantly decreased in the coastal region compared to the previous year, the monsoon is anticipated to arrive on schedule. The present forecast suggests that the monsoon will reach the coastal region in the first week of June.

Given the reduced pre-monsoon rainfall, weather officials predict that the upcoming monsoon will bring a greater volume of precipitation.

Record pre-monsoon rainfall deficit in coastal region

As a consequence of the scanty pre-monsoon rains, the coastal region finds itself in the ‘red’ zone. From March until now, Dakshina Kannada has experienced a rainfall deficit of 38 percent, Udupi 53 percent, and Uttara Kannada 46 percent. These figures mark the highest recorded shortfalls among the five geographical areas of Karnataka.