Chennai: After 17 years, Tamil Nadu may experience a unique cyclonic storm which could bring welcome rains during a poor northeast monsoon season.
While the 1996 (November 28-December 6) cyclone went in loops and took turns before hitting the north of Chennai, cyclone Madi is expected to take an unusual inverted ‘V’ and reach Tamil Nadu. But it remains to be seen whether the weakening system that may be devoid of moisture brings copious rains to the state.
According to Met officials, cyclone Madi is currently stationed 610 km east-northeast of Chennai and is expected to turn southwest and come close to the TN coast on Friday (December 13).
Weather blogger R. Pradeep John said the cyclone had already attained its peak strength and would slowly weaken in the coming days. “Chennai is experiencing a cold wave due to dry air and so we need to wait and watch whether this system will bring widespread rains to TN,” he added.
However, weathermen are hopeful of some rain in Chennai and the coastal districts from this cyclone. “While the present very severe cyclonic storm is expected to weaken to a depression or even a well-marked low pressure by the time it reaches the TN coast, we can surely expect some rainfall,” said Dr Y.E.A. Raj, deputy director general of meteorology, Regional MeteorÂological Centre, Chennai. He added that the inverted movement of the system is a rare phenomenon.
“Sometimes, we do see minor southern movement in cyclonic systems. Even the 2011 Thane cyclone moved slightly north and then took a southern turn before hitting Mahabalipuram.
Even in rare cases, the reason for a shift in track would be mainly due to some other cyclonic system in the nearby areas. Also, storms normally don’t move towards the equator. But cyclone Madi has defied all odds and could emerge as an exceptional system in the Bay of Bengal,” added Dr Raj.
Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological DepartÂment’s lead long-range forecaster, Dr D.S. Pai, told Deccan Chronicle that the 31 per cent deficit rains faced by the state could be offset by a single cyclonic storm.
“We have experienced bountiful (25 to 30 cm) rainfall from just one system in the past,” he pointed out. The state has so far received only 27.4 cm mean rainfall, compared to the normal of 39.9 cm for the season from October 1 to December 10.
