Cyclonic storm delays monsoon in many parts of Karnataka

Bengaluru: An unexpected cyclonic storm, hovering over Arabian Sea since Monday morning delayed the onset of monsoon in many parts of the state. The southwest monsoon, which hit Kerala on Friday and covered parts of coastal Karnataka, lost its speed after the cyclonic storm took away the moisture and stopped its advancement for a brief period.

Meteorologists at IMD Bengaluru are closely monitoring the cyclonic storm which was moving over south central Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep Islands.

“The cyclone is moving towards Oman. But its course may even change on Tuesday, which has briefly delayed the advancement of monsoon in the state. But coastal areas in Karnataka are expected to receive rainfall under the influence of this cyclone,” said Sunder Mahadev Metri, Director, IMD Bengaluru.

City’s skyline kept changing on Monday evening as thick dark and grey clouds gathered on the horizon. With the sun playing hide-and-seek, this rare spectacle unfolded (Photo: R. samuel and satish B.)

The weather department said that besides coastal parts, monsoon showers were also recorded in Shivamogga and Mysuru. Other parts of the state, including south-interior and north-interior Karnataka, are likely to be covered under monsoon showers in four days.

Met Department officials said that over the next four months, recording of rainfall will become the most important exercise as the same data is used at the end of the year along with data collected in the previous years to predict coming monsoons. Karnataka is divided into 10 climatology zones.

Weather experts have been asking the state government to ensure that rain gauges work at least during monsoon months. There are around 1,200 rain gauges in the state, but the reports are generated only in 350 gauges.

“Lack of manpower and remote locations have made recording rain readings difficult in some areas,” said a weather expert.