Mysuru: The first long range forecast for the 2026 Southwest Monsoon Season Rainfall released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicated below-normal to deficit rainfall in most parts of the state except in isolated areas of the north and southern parts of the state.Experts and farmers leaders are urging state govt to make early preparations to face the situation.According to the forecast, most of the state categorised under yellow category, indicating below-normal monsoon rainfall. Scattered parts of the central Karnataka, parts of south interior Karnataka, and small stretches near Western Ghats have green patches indicating normal rainfall.The tercile probability forecast has few blue patches in tiny zones along Western Ghats, and small isolated areas in the south interior Karnataka indicating above-normal rainfall.G Srinivasa Reddy, former director of KSNDMC, said that El Niño conditions during the season is the main reason for the below-normal/deficit rainfall. However, two other factors, neutral Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions, which are present over the Indian Ocean, and below-normal snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere are indicating normal rainfall during the season, he said.Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha president Badagalapura Nagendra said the state govt must take the forecast seriously and start the preparations to face drought-like situation. “The govt should prepare for both scenarios. If the state receives good rain, it must ensure that farmers will not face fertiliser shortage. It must try to promote bio fertilisers. If there is a drought, farmers must be extended all support,” he said.According to the KSNDMC data, state received excess pre-monsoon rain in the first one and half months (between March 1 and April 14). As per the data, state received 35% excess rainfall compared to normal rainfall. Only Mysuru (-43%), Kodagu (-29%), Raichur (-35%), and Yadgir (-47%) districts are in red category.
