Dharwad: July Rainfall Surpasses 30-Year Average

Dharwad: The district has experienced a significantly wetter July than usual, according to the latest Agromet Advisory Service Bulletin. The district recorded a staggering 239.2 mm of rainfall last month, far exceeding the 30-year average of 129.7 mm for July.

Record-Breaking Rainy Days

A meteorologist at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, noted, “What’s particularly striking is not just the amount of rain, but the frequency. We saw 22 rainy days in July, which is double the average of 11 days we typically expect.”

This surplus rainfall comes as a relief after a relatively dry June, which saw only 115.8 mm of rain compared to the long-term average of 116.2 mm.

Looking Ahead: A Wet August on the Horizon?

The five-day forecast from August 3rd to 7th suggests the wet spell may continue. “We’re predicting daily rainfall of 5-7 mm, with cloudy skies persisting throughout the period,” the expert explained. Temperatures are expected to remain moderate, with highs between 27.8°C and 30.6°C, and lows hovering around 20°C. Notably, humidity levels will remain high, potentially reaching up to 92% in the mornings.

Agricultural Implications

The abundant rainfall has significant implications for local agriculture. Agronomists at the University, advised farmers to take advantage of the moist soil conditions.

“This is an ideal time for intercropping in Kharif crops,” the centre suggested. “However, farmers should also be cautious about waterlogging. We recommend draining excess rainwater from standing crops to prevent damage.”

The bulletin also advises farmers to consider split application of nitrogenous fertilizers for maize and other long-duration crops, taking advantage of the favorable soil moisture.

A Word of Caution

While the rainfall has been beneficial overall, agricultural experts warn about potential challenges. “Farmers should be vigilant about pest and disease outbreaks, which can be more common in humid conditions,” the centre experts cautioned. “We advise them to monitor their crops closely and conduct any necessary spraying operations during non-rainy hours.”

As Dharwad continues to experience this unusually wet season, both farmers and residents are adapting to the changing weather patterns. With August traditionally being one of the wettest months, all eyes are now on the skies to see if this year’s monsoon will continue to break records.