Mangaluru: The southwest monsoon in Dakshina Kannada is behaving differently this year. Although the district has been receiving rain almost every day, the familiar days-long spells of continuous rainfall have largely disappeared, giving way to short bursts of intense showers. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this shift has contributed to a significant rainfall deficit and could have long-term implications for groundwater recharge.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the district recorded a 33 per cent rainfall deficit in June, and rainfall is expected to remain below normal in the coming months. The weather agency has already predicted a 30-40 per cent rainfall deficit across coastal Karnataka during August and September, largely due to the influence of El Niño.

Sajeev R., Scientist-E at the IMD’s Doppler Weather Radar Centre in Mangaluru, said Dakshina Kannada is likely to receive around 1,035 mm of rainfall in July, spread across nearly 28 rainy days. However, the way the rain is falling has changed.

“Rain is occurring on most days, but it is no longer the continuous downpour that the coast is known for. Instead, we are seeing brief but intense showers that last for 15 to 20 minutes before stopping,” he said.

According to IMD, this new rainfall pattern allows more water to flow away as surface runoff instead of soaking into the ground. As a result, groundwater recharge is likely to be lower despite frequent rainfall.

“When rain falls in short, heavy spells, much of the water runs off quickly. To improve groundwater levels, we need to reduce runoff and increase the amount of water that percolates into the soil,” Sajeev explained.

The department has also observed that the southwest monsoon circulation has weakened this season. Although monsoon winds continue to blow along the coast, they are not as strong or persistent as in previous years, resulting in reduced rainfall activity.

Another notable change is the uneven distribution of rainfall within short distances. Unlike previous monsoon seasons, when most parts of Mangaluru received nearly the same amount of rain, showers are now becoming highly localised due to convective cloud formation.

“One area may receive 5 cm of rain while another locality just a few kilometres away gets only 2 cm,” Sajeev said, adding that such variations have become increasingly common this season.

Despite the rainfall deficit, the changed monsoon has also brought some relief. With fewer prolonged spells of rain during the day, daily life and economic activities have continued with fewer interruptions. Schools are expected to witness fewer rain-related holidays, flood situations may be less frequent, and sea conditions have remained comparatively calmer than in recent monsoon seasons, according to IMD.