Karnataka will continue to experience hot and humid conditions, with scattered rainfall likely in some parts over the next two weeks, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Maximum temperatures are expected to remain 3-5°C above normal across the north peninsular region, including Karnataka.
Temperature data from the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) showed that most districts recorded highs above 35°C in mid-February, with northern regions like Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, and Yadgir reaching around 37.5°C. Bengaluru Urban saw a maximum temperature of 34.8°C.
While a slight drop in temperatures is forecast for the last week of February, IMD predicts that pre-monsoon showers will likely arrive after the first week of March. The state has so far received 1.2 mm of rainfall this year, below the normal 3.7 mm for the period. However, above-normal pre-monsoon rainfall is expected ahead of the monsoon season in June.
Despite last summer’s severe drought, Karnataka’s reservoirs currently hold 535.21 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water about 60% of their total capacity compared to just 332.52 TMC at this time last year. Experts suggest that while water storage has improved, continued monitoring of rainfall patterns is essential to manage future shortages.