New Weatherman to Replace Most-loved One

CHENNAI: The next time there is a cyclone threatening coastal districts of the state, or in the event of unabated rains lashing cities and towns in the state, look out for a ‘new face’ on the television screens, giving out weather forecasts and updates.

Having replaced his predecessor, the most popular, S R Ramanan, who retired on Thursday after more than three decades of service, S Balachandran, as the new director for Area Cyclone Warning Centre, Regional Meteorological Centre, will henceforth be the new ‘weather man’ for the state.

Presently the Director for Cyclone Research Centre, Balachandran will assume the additional full-time charge of area cyclone warning centre from Friday.

Speaking to Express, he said, “My predecessor has laid a clear roadmap in terms of engaging with the public through the media. I endeavor to carry forward his work.” He also reserved special praise for Ramanan for conveying the science of weather through simple words to common man. Balachandran, who had on prior occasions interacted with the media during Ramanan’s absence, joined the Indian Meteorology Department in 1992, in Pune, as a meteorologist.