Monsoon arrives a week in advance in K'taka

Bangalore, May 27 (UNI) The Southwest monsoon set in a week in advance in Karnataka last night, with most parts of Coastal and South Interior Karnataka experiencing widespread rains, bringing in delight to the people of the state.

The rains first hit Dakshina Kannada (DK), Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts in coastal Karnataka and spread to parts of South Interior Karnataka.

According to Meterological department conditions were favourable for further advancement of Southwest monsoon tothe remaining parts of Inteior Karnataka during the next two to three days.

The city too experienced monsoon rains yesterday evening.

Meteorological department Director A L Koppar told UNI that the advancement of Southwest monsoon was caused by two upper air cyclonic circulations over North-west and adjoining West-central Bay of Bengal and West-central Arabian Sea which had acted as a boosting mechanism resulting in the early onset of monsoon in the state.

Panambur in Dakshina Kannada district recorded the highest rainfall of 13 cm in the last 24 hours ending 0830 hrs, followed by Mangalore city 11 cm.

In Mangalore, vehicular traffic was disrupted at some places following heavy rain. Several shops and houses in low lying areas were inundated with knee deep water. Traffic on National Highway was disrupted for some time.

UNI RS-MA RG GM1821