IMD forecasts below-normal rainfall for Aug

IMD forecasts below-normal rainfall for most parts of Karnataka in August, with exceptions in Kalyana Karnataka.

South Interior Karnataka, including Bengaluru and Cauvery basin districts, recorded a 27% rainfall deficit in July, classified as 'deficient'.

El Niño is expected to strengthen in the next two months, increasing the likelihood of prolonged dry spells, per IMD scientist Latha Sridhar.

Karnataka's 14 major reservoirs are only 52% full, with Cauvery basin at 57%, Krishna basin at 64%, and Hydel basin at 34% of gross capacity.

Four major Cauvery reservoirs hold 65.3 tmc, down from 105.4 tmc on the same day last year, affecting the state's argument against releasing water to Tamil Nadu.