Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu may face another draught like situation as monsoon rains in these southern states of India are expected to arrive late or at less than the normal level.

Food Minister K V Thomas also admitted that weather assessments hinted less than the normal monsoon rains for Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Speaking to reporters, Thomas said, "Monsoon will be quite satisfactory in India except the southern tip - Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Monsoon rains in these southern states may be delayed or could be less than the normal level."

A report published recently by weather analytics firm Skymet also indicated that major portion of the country would be getting normal rainfall, while peninsular part of the country would be receiving less than normal rain.

Karnataka has already started showing signs of an imminent drought, with all major water reservoirs in this southern state are on the verge of becoming dry. If failure really fails to make it in time, it will be the third year in a row when Karnataka will suffer draught.

V S Prakash, director of Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management, however said that it would be very early to predict a drought in the state. He added that the situation would be clearer in a week's time.

Any deficiency in monsoon rainfall is expected to have a considerable impact on the crop production in the southern states.