Chennai, Oct 29:
A fresh low-pressure system is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal and could intensify into a cyclonic system before moving towards northern Tamil Nadu, raising the possibility of significant rainfall in Chennai on November 1 and 2, weather experts have said.
The development comes soon after Cyclone Arnab moved away from Tamil Nadu towards Andhra Pradesh and further north. While the previous system did not bring the expected rainfall to Chennai and several other parts of Tamil Nadu, the developing weather system could bring another spell of rain to the region.
Dr VR Durai, director of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai, said favourable conditions were developing over the Bay of Bengal. However, he cautioned that the system’s precise direction and track could not be determined until it intensified and its movement became clearer.
If the system moves towards the Cauvery delta region, it could bring substantial rainfall to those areas. If it moves towards Chennai and the Andhra Pradesh coast, the city could also receive significant rain, Durai said.
Weather forecaster R Hemachandran, popularly known as Delta Weatherman, said the possibility of the system forming appeared strong, but a clearer picture of its development and likely rainfall pattern would emerge as the weather models were updated.
The possibility of rain over Chennai on November 1 and 2 has raised expectations of a wet start to November. However, the system’s intensity, direction and potential landfall location remain uncertain. Residents should follow updates from the India Meteorological Department and the Regional Meteorological Centre rather than treat the possibility of a cyclone crossing near Chennai as a confirmed forecast.