Cyclone Senyar | T.N. braces for intense rainfall; Bay weather system may deepen

With a well-marked low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal showing prospects of deepening, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has maintained its forecast of heavy rains over south Tamil Nadu and the delta districts and intense rains likely to spread to north Tamil Nadu towards the weekend.

Officials of the RMC noted that the Cyclone Senyar, which lies over the coastal areas of northeast Indonesia, would not have an impact over Tamil Nadu.

All eyes are set on the well-marked low pressure area over southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas of southeast Sri Lanka and equatorial Indian ocean, for its influence over the State to end November with less rain deficit.

The RMC has predicted that the system is likely to intensify into a depression by Thursday and very likely to gain strength, move across southwest Bay of Bengal towards north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts by Saturday.

A yellow alert has been sounded for five south coastal and delta districts, including Ramanathapuram and Thanjavur, as heavy rainfall may occur on Thursday. With the weather system expected to intensify further, the RMC has given orange and yellow alerts for delta and adjoining districts such as Ariyalur and Cuddalore on Friday, indicating the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Rainfall may cover many places on Saturday. North Tamil Nadu districts may receive intense rainfall up to 21 cm on Saturday and Sunday. Expectations run high that the wet spell could help wipe out rain deficits in districts such as Perambalur, Chengalpattu, Chennai, and Kancheepuram.

A few places in Chennai and its neighbouring districts too have chances of receiving heavy to very heavy rainfall on Saturday and Sunday.

The RMC is monitoring the development and trajectory of the weather system. B. Amudha, Head, (Additional in-charge), RMC, said the current synoptic scenario indicates that it can strengthen up to the stage of deep depression. The rainfall alerts may be revised depending on the changes in the weather system’s movement and intensity. More clarity can be expected in the coming days.

The long, dry spell in many districts this month has brought the seasonal rainfall down to normal levels. The State has received 34.8 cm of rainfall during this season, which is four per cent more than its average of 33.5 cm since October 1.