By News Karnataka
Copyright newskarnataka
Mangaluru/Udupi: After a brief dry spell, several parts of the coastal belt witnessed moderate rainfall on Monday, providing much-needed relief to farmers grappling with water shortages for paddy crops. Both Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts reported showers in multiple regions, breaking the heat and reviving hopes for agricultural activities.
Showers across Dakshina Kannada
In Dakshina Kannada, Mangaluru city and its outskirts including Ullal, Mulki, and Bantwal received rainfall in the morning and evening, while the day alternated between sunshine and cloudy skies. Rural parts of Puttur taluk recorded moderate rainfall, though Puttur town itself experienced only light drizzle.
Other taluks such as Sullia, Beltangady, and Kadaba too saw moderate showers under overcast skies, bringing respite from the warm conditions that had prevailed during the preceding dry phase.
According to local farmers, the return of rains has helped replenish soil moisture, easing stress on paddy fields which had begun to show signs of water deficiency.
Udupi district records widespread showers
Neighbouring Udupi district also saw scattered but significant rainfall. Karkala received rain late Sunday night and early Monday morning, while Kundapur experienced showers during both morning and evening hours.
In Udupi town, Padubidri, Katapady, Kapu, Brahmavar, and Manipal, residents reported moderate evening rain accompanied by cloudy weather for most of the day. The showers brought down temperatures and provided a refreshing change for the region.
IMD forecast and weather details
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for September 17, forecasting heavy rainfall in parts of the coastal belt. This is expected to be followed by moderate rainfall over the next two to three days.
On Monday, Mangaluru recorded a maximum temperature of 28.9°C and a minimum of 22.5°C, while conditions across the region remained relatively cool due to the cloud cover.
Relief for agriculture and water resources
The timely showers are seen as particularly beneficial for standing paddy crops, which had begun to suffer due to lack of water during the recent dry spell. Farmers in both districts expressed relief that the rains arrived before the damage became severe.
In addition to agriculture, the rainfall is expected to help replenish water levels in wells, streams, and smaller reservoirs that had started to decline during the dry days. Authorities, however, remain watchful as heavy spells could also bring risks of waterlogging in low-lying areas.
With the return of rainfall in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, the coastal region has gained a fresh boost for agriculture and day-to-day life. While the forecast of heavy rain has prompted an alert, the overall expectation is that the showers will stabilise crop conditions and restore balance in local water resources, marking a much-needed turnaround after the recent dry stretch.
