Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Oct 20: A low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining central parts of the sea on October 23 as the Northeast monsoon gathers strength across Tamil Nadu, the weather department said.
The forecast comes amid widespread rainfall in coastal districts, the Cauvery delta region and areas along the Western Ghats. The department has also warned of very heavy rainfall in seven districts on Tuesday, though the districts were not identified in the information provided.
According to the department, an upper-air circulation currently lies over the Gulf of Thailand and Myanmar. The system is expected to influence weather conditions over the north Andaman Sea by Wednesday morning, paving the way for the formation of a low-pressure area later this week.
The developing system is likely to move westwards and northwestwards. It could intensify into a depression, although its eventual strength and further development will become clearer through subsequent observations and forecasts.
The department said further bulletins would provide information on whether the system could strengthen into a cyclonic storm. The current outlook indicates the possibility of intensification but does not confirm the formation of a cyclone.
Meanwhile, the strengthening Northeast monsoon has brought substantial rainfall to several parts of Tamil Nadu. Coastal areas and delta districts have been receiving showers, while districts adjoining the Western Ghats have also recorded rainfall.
Chennai experienced continuous rain on October 17, reflecting the increasingly active weather conditions across the state. Tuesday's warning of very heavy rainfall in seven districts comes amid this sustained monsoon activity.
The possible formation of a fresh system over the Bay of Bengal adds another development to the evolving weather pattern. However, its precise track, intensity and likely impact on rainfall over Tamil Nadu have yet to be established.
Further weather bulletins are expected to clarify the system's movement from the vicinity of the north Andaman Sea towards the central Bay of Bengal and its potential intensification after October 23.
For now, the forecast points to an active Northeast monsoon and a developing weather system that requires continued monitoring. A clearer assessment of its potential impact is expected as the circulation evolves over the coming days.