Monsoon Returns to Chennai with Anticipated Rainfall
Posted on: 20/Nov/2023 10:11:54 AM
After a brief hiatus, monsoon rain is poised to make a comeback in Chennai today, according to weather forecasts. The city, along with several coastal and adjacent regions, is expected to experience rainfall starting from Sunday. Meteorologists attribute this renewed rain activity to atmospheric disturbances and the reorganization of easterlies following the weakening of cyclone Midhili.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted moderate-intensity rainfall in both the city and its suburbs over the next two days. Bloggers have suggested that intermittent sunshine may be followed by sudden rain spells during this period.
Rainfall made a swift return on Saturday afternoon, with short spells recorded in the north and southern parts of the city. By 7:30 pm, Meenambakkam reported traces of rainfall, while Ennore port recorded 5mm. IMD issued a nowcast for light rainfall in the city on Saturday evening, stating, "The city and its suburbs may receive moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning over some areas for the next 48 hours. The sky is likely to be partly cloudy, with maximum and minimum temperatures around 31°C and 25°C."
Since October 1, Chennai has received 303.4mm of rainfall, which is 43% below normal. IMD has also forecast heavy rainfall in several northern, southern, and delta districts on Sunday and Monday, including the neighboring Chengalpet district on Monday. Meteorologists attribute this rainfall to an upper air cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Sri Lanka, extending up to 1.5km above mean sea level. Additionally, a trough, or an elongated area of relatively low pressure, runs from the cyclonic circulation in the southwest Bay of Bengal to a cyclonic circulation associated with the weakened cyclone Midhili.
Weather blogger Pradeep John indicated chances of rainfall in coastal areas from Chennai to Cuddalore and many southern districts from Sunday morning. He mentioned, "Since it is a trough-based rainfall, interior parts of Tamil Nadu too would get rainfall from Sunday," in an online post.
