Here is why Chennai rains have been in hiding this season
Posted on: 11/May/2017 2:50:49 PM
Chennai rains have become a distant dream for the residents. While the capital city of Tamil Nadu did receive very good rains during the Northeast Monsoon season. Thereafter, dry and sunny days took over.
If you come to look at the rainfall figures, the Nungambakkam observatory of Chennai remains blank. Apart from yesterday’s trace of rainfall, there has not been a single mm of rain which was recorded over the capital city of Tamil Nadu.
Unfortunately, and surprisingly, the last time the observatory recorded rains on January 29. Yes, it was that long ago. The worst part is that even then only traces of rainfall were received over the beloved capital city of Tamil Nadu.
The republic day was the last time when Chennai recorded a significant rainfall of 5 mm. Since then, the residents of Chennai have been waiting in anticipation for the rain gods to bestow some kindness over them. The sun gods seem happy but rain gods have turned their backs against the Chennaites.
Why, if you ask? Well, one reason is Chennai being a rain shadow area. Rain shadow area here means is that in the west of Tamil Nadu lie the Nilgiri hills. Thus, humid winds from Arabian Sea deplete moisture to the Western Ghats where good rains occur and dry winds travel towards Tamil Nadu leaving Chennai and adjoining areas dry.
Secondly, normally, during the month of April and May, one or two low pressure areas or depression form in the Bay of Bengal giving some rainfall over Tamil Nadu including Chennai. Sometimes, even heavy rains make an appearance.
However, this year, the city has remained dry as a bone. In fact, no such weather system developed. Sadly, in the coming days also, no significant weather system is likely to develop in the Bay until Southwest Monsoon commences.
Thus, while light Pre-Monsoon activity due to the development of a trough close to Chennai may occur during the next two days, it will not be able to satisfy the Chennai resident.
Courtesy: skymetweather.com
