Kodagu receives more than twice the normal pre-monsoon rains

Data compiled by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) shows that South Interior Karnataka, which includes Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar and Kodagu, received more than twice the amount of normal rainfall between March 1 and April this year.

The average rainfall in this region of the state recorded in this period is 38.8mm, against a normal quota of 18.3mm. Kodagu, which witnessed a comparatively dry 2017, has received 76.5mm rainfall, the highest in the region.

The pre-monsoon showers have emboldened experts to encourage

farmers to star tpreparing the land for sowing.Farmers have also been advised to start procuring seeds for pre-monsoon sowing activities.

Director of Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) Srinivas Reddy attributed multiple reasons for the excessive rainfall during this period.

“There are many weather formations occurring in this period, including formation of clouds locally in the summer. This has resulted in excess rain,” Reddy told TOI.

He added that the excess rain was likely to have multiple effects. “Excess rainfall is likely to have many positive effects. Pre-monsoon showers are likely to help growth of grass, which will cover the soil and turn into food for livestock. Adding to this, rainfall will bring down pressure on groundwater. It will also help bring down the temperature level, which is very critical in the summer,” Reddy said.