Mysuru: Amid a weak southwest monsoon, Malnad region of Karnataka is witnessing scorching temperatures, while water storage in four major dams of the old Mysuru region has slipped to 56% of their gross capacity.According to IMD data, Hassan recorded a maximum temperature of 31.1°C on Sept 14, which was 5.6°C above normal — the highest departure recorded in the state. The city recorded the same maximum temperature on Tuesday.This comes a week after Mysuru city also witnessed a similar trend. With no rain in sight, the region is bracing for the warmest days in the coming days.The heat is not confined to Hassan, with several Malnad districts witnessing a similar trend. Chikkamagaluru recorded 32.9°C, Kodagu 32.3°C and Shivamogga 33.2°C on Tuesday. Agumbe, known as the Cherrapunji of south India, recorded 29°C on Tuesday against its normal Sept temperature of 25.5°C.Meanwhile, weak inflows have pushed down storage in the four major dams in the Cauvery belt. As of Wednesday, the reservoirs held 64.46 TMC against their combined gross capacity of 114.6 TMC (56% storage). Storage at Hemavati dam has fallen to 53%, the lowest among the four reservoirs, raising concern among farmers.However, KSNDMC data showed some relief from the dry spell on Tuesday, with several parts of the old Mysuru region receiving good rainfall. Mandya recorded 32mm and Chamarajanagar 18.6mm. Among the hoblis, Kirugavalu in Mandya received 82mm, while Malavalli and Maddur recorded 70mm each. Sosale hobli in Mysuru district received 67mm.
