The low pressure that has formed over Bay of Bengal is likely to bring rainfall to Chennai over the weekend. A bulletin from IMD that was issued on Monday evening reads, “The low pressure area over Equatorial Indian Ocean and adjoining central parts of south Bay of Bengal with the associated cyclonic circulation extending upto 5.8 km above mean sea level persists. It is likely to become more marked during next 48 hours. It is likely to intensify further into a depression during subsequent 24 hours and move towards north Tamil Nadu and adjoining south Andhra coasts.”
Speaking to TNM, Pradeep John, better known as Tamil Nadu Weatherman, says it might be too early to predict the intensity of rainfall. “So far there are high chances of the depression becoming a cyclonic storm but where exactly it is going to cross, we do not know for sure yet. Waiting another 24 hours might give us better clarity,” he observes. Pradeep also dispels rumours that the delta region, that was badly hit during Gaja Cyclone, might be affected this time as well.
While chances of North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh receiving rainfall due to this depression have been confirmed, it remains to be seen how intense this spell is going to be.
A seven-day forecast chart for Chennai on IMD’s website reads, “Generally cloudy sky with Light rain,” for December 15, Saturday, and, “Generally cloudy sky with possibility of rain or Thunderstorm,” for December 16 and 17.
Chennai, however, lacks severely in its seasonal rainfall charts. According to the stats published on IMD Chennai website, the rainfall recorded in Chennai between October 1 and December 5 this year is at a 51% deficit. Chennai has recorded 331.8 mm during this period while it should have received 674.9 mm.
Pradeep corroborates this point and says Chennai City has got only 380 mm against normal of 850 mm, a mean level observed until December 31.
According to the Office of the Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department, drinking water supply in the city is below still level at the Cholavaram reservoir. Levels at the Poondi, Red Hills, Chembarambakkam reservoirs and the Veeranam stood at 21.31 ft (380 million cubic feet), 8.79 ft (1098 million cubic feet), 4.12 ft (157 million cubic feet) and 7.30 ft (1164 million cubic feet).
Pradeep, however, sounds positive that there are probabilities for good rainfall in the coming weeks, “We’ve still got 20 days left and it still looks hopeful for Chennai.”
Source: The News Minute