The southwest monsoon continued to strengthen in the Malnad region of Karnataka on Thursday, with Megaravalli, about 10 km east of Agumbe, getting heavy rain since early morning hours. From 9 AM to 9 PM, the area received 52 mm of rain from 9 AM onwards, indicating the intensity of the monsoon activity in the Western Ghats region.
The steady downpour has brought much-needed moisture to the forests, streams and agricultural lands in the region. The Agumbe-Megaravalli belt is one of the wettest areas in Karnataka and receives the highest precipitation during monsoon season.
Residents reported continuous rainfall throughout the morning and afternoon, with thick clouds overcast and darkening clouds covering the surrounding area. The persistent showers have resulted in water running through roadside drains and streams, and a few low-lying areas have been temporarily inundated by water. So far, there is not much damage or disruption reported.
The rain is due to active monsoon in the Western Ghats, where moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea persist in the mountainous terrain, and this often leads to more rainfall in Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu and Uttara Kannada districts.
Agumbe is called the Cherrapunji of South India. The weather is also affected in the neighbouring Megaravalli, and it gets very heavy rain in the monsoon season. The rainfall is also showing that the region’s weather is in a very active phase.
Water resources throughout the region will be improved by the rains. If the wet conditions continue, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs fed by the Western Ghats catchment are likely to get more inflows. Farmers in the region have also welcomed the rains because they support paddy cultivation and other agricultural activities that depend heavily on seasonal precipitation.
Authorities are monitoring conditions in hilly and vulnerable areas. Long periods of continuous rainfall can increase the risk of landslides, road damage and falling trees in the forested areas of the Western Ghats. Travellers going to Agumbe and other places have been warned about the dangers, especially on winding ghat roads, where visibility can be poor from heavy rainfall.
Near Megaravalli, 10 kms East of #Agumbe.
— Naveen Reddy (@navin_ankampali) August 7, 2026
Good rain 🌧️ reported since 9 AM, Megarvalli received already 52 mm. pic.twitter.com/kf1mZOkEBs
Experts say that the monsoon will continue to be active in coastal Karnataka and the Malnad region over the next few days. Many districts, including Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru, have already been put under weather alerts for heavy rainfall at some places.
The latest rainfall figures from Megaravalli also reinforce forecasts that have pointed to above-normal precipitation in parts of the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Emergency response teams have been put on standby for any weather-related incidents as monsoon activity strengthens.
Nature lovers and tourists in Agumbe have welcomed the rains that have turned the area green and lush. Waterfalls, streams and forest trails in and around Agumbe will be more flowing and beautiful during the monsoon period, attracting visitors during the monsoon season.
That is why Megaravalli is still one of the most prominent rainfall hotspots in Karnataka today, reflecting the powerful influence of the southwest monsoon across the state's ecologically rich Malnad belt, with 52 mm of rainfall already recorded in just a few hours.
