Low-pressure area forms over Bay of Bengal


Chennai: The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) said that a low-pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal and heavy to very rain is expected in coastal districts of Tamil Nadu. An orange and yellow alert has been issued for several districts for the next two days.

Chennai and neighbouring districts of Kancheepuram, Thiruvallur and Chengalpattu are getting steady rains.

An upper air circulation over Gulf of Thailand lies over South Andaman Sea. Under its influence, a low-pressure area formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal. It will move towards northwestwards and further intensify over west-central south Bay of Bengal on November 16.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur over Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Cuddalore districts. At least 15 districts of Tamil Nadu are expected to get heavy spells – Chennai, Thiruvallur, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Tiruppur, Vellore, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Pudukottai, Tiruchy, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladathurai for the next two days.

The weather official predicted moderate to heavy rain for many areas in the coastal and interior districts of Tamil Nadu till November 19. The maximum temperature is expected to reduce than usual across the state.

Heavy rainfall is seen along the coastal districts for the first time during the northeast monsoon this year.

In addition, Tamil Nadu fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea till Sunday.

As squally weather with wind speed with 45 kmph to 55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph over Tamil Nadu coast, Comorin area and Gulf of Mannar.

During the northeast monsoon from Oct 1 to Nov 13, Tamil Nadu received 221 mm which is 17 percent deficit rainfall.

Chennai and Chengalpattu districts witnessed 61 percent less rainfall during the monsoon season after receiving 190 mm and 152 mm rainfall respectively.

Meanwhile, schools and colleges in seven districts of Tamil Nadu namely Cuddalore, Villupuram, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Ariyalur, Thiruvarur, and Thanjavur have been declared a holiday today due to heavy rains. Tiruvannamalai District Collector B Murugesh has also declared a holiday for school today due to rain.

Meanwhile, MET officials said, for November 14, light to moderate rain is expected at many places, with thunderstorms and lightning likely at one or two places.

Last week, most places in Tamil Nadu received moderate to heavy rain, resulting in severe waterlogging and schools being shut down.

On Monday, some places, such as Ennore and West Tambaram in Chennai, Adiramapattinam in Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, and Karaikal, received light rain between 8.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m.

Blogger Pradeep John said the city may receive intermittent heavy spells on Tuesday, and the rain activity may continue until Wednesday afternoon. “There are chances of very heavy rainfall,” he said.