The city is well into the monsoon season but there is no respite for Bengalureans from the searing heat. Dark clouds and rain have so far evaded the city, disappointing Bengalureans who were looking forward to showers ever since the monsoon set in over the state on June 5. But the rain gods haven't been kind and the dry spell continues, leaving people looking up at the skies longingly for some sign that they may have relented.
Ask the weathermen and they explain its all due to a failure of multiple weather systems that usually herald the monsoon. While it has so far advanced over only 11 districts of the state, and the others are still waiting for its arrival, they dont see this as a cause for concern. Pointing out that its been only 10 days since the monsoon hit Karnataka, they say its far too early to press the panic buttons.
Admitting that lower than normal rainfall has been recorded even in parts of the state that have received it, director-in-charge of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Bengaluru, B Puttanna, however, clarifies it is too soon to write off the monsoon as a failure. “By nature the monsoon is erratic and there have been instances where it has hit the state late but has brought as much rainfall as any other year,” he recalls, adding that even in 1983 and 1989 the monsoon had arrived in the state after June 15.
“The IMD informed the district administrations about the slow progress of the monsoon three weeks ago as it has entered the state in a weak phase. But there is every chance of revival," Mr Puttanna assures, holding out hope for Bengaluru too as it usually sees a heavy monsoon only after July. As on Wednesday the monsoon had reached Gadag and is likely to cover other parts of the state by next week, according to him.
The IMD chief doesn't think there is any need for farmers to worry either as they don't begin sowing till the end of June. “ We are in constant touch with district administrations and farmer groups. Over the next few days we expect a weather system to develop over the northern parts of the Bay of Bengal which could result in an active monsoon over the state,” he adds.