CHENNAI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall warning to Chennai and other coastal districts in the State for the next two days. The rainfall activity would commence after midnight on Saturday.
The weather models are indicating that the rainfall would be very intense at times, enough to worry the people living in the flood-prone areas.
S Balachandran, Director, Area Cyclone Warning Centre, said the low pressure is perfectly placed over southwest Bay of Bengal near Sri Lanka with associated cyclonic circulation extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level.
It is similar to the low pressure that brought heavy rain in the first week of this month, but the only difference is that this system is very broad and the convergences will be embedded within it. This means rain is confirmed. However, the intensity of spells is difficult to forecast.
“The intensity of the spells can only be predicted on an hourly basis. The nowcasting in the IMD website will put out an update on the intensity of the spell every two hours. We are tracking the system very closely and the regular communication channels with the administrators is kept active to put timely information that would be helpful for quick decision-making,” he said, not ruling out the chances of receiving heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Weather blogger Pradeep John said the low pressure is very big in size and not too concentrated. So, the clouds are spread over a large area. The system will move north-northwestwards and there is a western disturbance as well.
Some spells are expected to be heavy and very heavy, particularly the belt of Tiruvallur, Chennai and Kancheepuram.
Meanwhile, India Meteorological Department is forecasting another fresh low pressure to form over southeast Bay of Bengal and neighbourhood on November 14.