Belagavi beats monsoon deficit, enters excess rainfall zone

Belagavi: Continuous rainfall over the past six days has helped Belagavi district wipe out its June monsoon deficit and move into the excess rainfall category. Official data showed the district received an average of 20.2mm of rainfall between Monday morning and Tuesday morning, 221% above the normal average of 6.3mm for the 24-hour period.The district had recorded a 29% rainfall deficit in June due to the delayed onset of the monsoon and below-normal precipitation. However, widespread showers during the first week of July have significantly improved the rainfall situation, boosting prospects for agriculture and replenishing water sources across the district. From June 1 to July 7, the district recorded an average rainfall of 203mm, 9% higher than the normal 186mm.In the 24 hours ending Tuesday morning, Khanapur recorded the highest rainfall at 74mm, followed by Belagavi city at 46.3mm, Kittur at 31mm and Bailhongal at 20.4mm. Athani and Mudalagi taluks, however, continued to receive below-normal rainfall.During the first week of July, from July 1 to 7, Belagavi district received an average of 99mm of rain, 148% above the normal 40mm. Khanapur recorded the highest rainfall at 338mm during the period, followed by Nippani at 139mm, Kittur at 111mm and Hukkeri at 101mm.

Ramdurg received the lowest rainfall at 19mm.From June 1 to July 7, Khanapur received 482mm of rainfall, Belagavi 277mm, Kittur 259mm, Nippani 236mm, Hukkeri 203mm and Bailhongal 180mm. Despite the recent spell, Khanapur, Belagavi, Bailhongal and Kagawad taluks remained below their normal rainfall levels.Khanapur’s cumulative rainfall of 482mm was 13% below its normal 555mm, while Belagavi received 277mm, 17% lower than its normal 333mm. Kagawad and Bailhongal taluks also recorded rainfall deficits of 3% each. Overall, however, the district has moved into the excess rainfall category, recording an average of 203mm from June 1 to July 7, compared to the normal 186mm, marking a 9% surplus.