Signs of Early monsoon onset 2025

11th May 2025

After long break, rains are back. Coastal karnataka had poor pre-monsoon rains so far. It has been nearly 20 days without a drop of rain. Today, the heavy clouds streamed from west and engulfed our region. By night, we had light showers and monster shower at midnight. Even though the showers were fleeting, they gave hope that rains are alive. Its been protracted dry days so far. The humidity is soaring, the clouds are seen everywhere which are portending rains in early days. Unlike the ground strikes that occur during pre-monsoon time, the thunder we heard today was mild one which resembled atmosphere during monsoon onset. Lets see how rainfall pattern continues in a week of time. Here are the towering clouds captured on 12th morning. As wind speeds increase, these clouds easily make it to mainland from sea. Currently, wind speeds are not supportive to push them to mainland.

I don't like my vivo v40 pro blowing up highlights. They do not present monsoon vibe appropriately even though nature posed beautifully! Despite complaining them they seem to have no obligation to address customer issues.

Look how parched are the land below. Region is extremely desperate to have rains

Here is wide angle picture. You can see me shooting in shadows!

While west side is abuzz with clouds, the east is bone dry. The shine is smiling energetically jeering at rain deprived vegetation.

Towering clouds to conclude the post!

Met department also has predicted early monsoon and an above average rainfall for rest of May. Hopefully it materializes. Only desire is to witness a heavy rain spell before my stay concludes at home town. I am not hopeful of any further visits to native in near future during monsoon. Even though natural resources are declining, monsoon has been normal so far in our region. However, the trend has been awkward with gaps in between and sometimes monsoon extending beyond the duration. Weather pattern changes are real and can be conveniently concluded from past 5yrs track record.

Meanwhile, we did have early monsoon onset with stations clocking 300mm+ in 24hrs during May end itself. SO this time  the prediction has come true but farming community is highly confused

Strolling through humid Village trails

It was sunset time and their display behind the trees in a village is heartwarming gaze. Working in our village is like breathe of fresh air for a month summer despite the perspiration. The humidity was soaring towards 100%, the ground is parched due to lack of sufficient pre-monsoon rains. With absconding rains, we are not seeing any dip in temperatures. The nights are intensely warm that temperature stays at 28 degree C. Even with fans running at high speeds, the perspiration never stops. People are desperately waiting for healthy rains in our region. It rained all round the region but not above us. Not sure why is nature is discrimination :-(. Hopefully the nature will turn the tables soon and blesses us with divine rains.

A well amidst field is always part of cultivation. These are source of water in case of deficient rainfall or for second crop.

I strolled through deserted paddy fields eagerly awaiting monsoon to set in a month of time. Its a unique experience walking through the trails of these fields, balancing yourselves over the narrow path without teetering. This could be challenging during monsoon season where wobbling would end you up in fully grown fields with muck. The sun was smiling and glittering without any obstruction from clouds. The color was pleasant but wasn't. The region desperately needs rain now. This year pre-monsoon has been awful which exacerbating the summer heat.

The cattle grazing field is always a delightful sight. Owners of cattle once in a day sprinkle the water over field if available to grow grass for cattle. The patches of grass seems to be grown from rains we had 3 weeks back.

The pump shed amidst the field is to water the field during break monsoons. Some use it to grow winter crops which need minimal water. The clumsy posture of palms acts as ideal foreground for descending sun.

This overhead tank is mounted over the rock formation. Quite intelligent move! The water sufficient gravity to flow down to taps. Also house owner need to make modification to existing tiled house to accommodate overhead take which would otherwise require RCC terrace or additional elevated  construction to mount overhead tank.

While I was rejoicing the evening sun, out of blue, the combination of street and domestic dogs went berserk which scared me to death. The rush of the canines seem to be due to local feud. Some of them barged towards me barking but somehow I managed to shoo them away luckily with shrilling voice. Insane dogs wouldn't bend for such voices. They would ambush at any cost.

That's how the walk concluded horrifically. On way back, saw couple of Malabar pied hornbills to strengthen my mood. My DSLR is dead and I don't have funding to buy newer one. Hence satisfied with mobile capture. My assumption was that they would be in village only during monsoon. Now it looks to be dwelling permanently in our village!