Chennai: As the southwest monsoon is very likely to withdraw from the remaining parts of the country, the much-anticipated northeast monsoon rain is likely to commence over Tamil Nadu today.
According to Regional Meteorological Centre, under the influence of the cyclonic circulation over south Andaman Sea and neighbourhood, a low-pressure area has formed over southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Andaman Sea.
“It is very likely to become well marked during next 12 hours and concentrate into a depression during subsequent 24 hours. It is very likely to move northwestwards towards Odisha coast during next two to three days,”RMC reported.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Dr S Balachandran, director of Area Cyclone Warning Centre, said, “The northeast monsoon is forecast to begin today and we have confirmed the low-pressure that has developed over Southeast Bay of Bengal. However, we should get update on Monday, as to where more rainfall will occur.”
When asked about possibility of a cyclonic storm forming, the weather expert noted, “It is a four-stage process- low-pressure, depression, deep depression and cyclonic storm. We are in the first stage and will predict step by step.”
As far as Chennai is concerned, the sky condition is likely to be generally cloudy. Further, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely to occur in some areas, he said, adding that maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 33 and 25 degree celsius respectively.
Intermittent rain raises water managers’ hopes
With Poondi reservoir receiving inflow of Krishna water and rains intermittently lashing in and around Chennai, water storage in the metro water lakes has considerably increased, bringing a sigh of relief for water managers in the city.
However, they still keep their finger crossed about rains from northeast monsoon, which is to set in on Monday.
Going by the water levels in the four lakes - Chembarambakkam, Cholavaram, Red Hills and Poondi - the total storage stands at 1,168 million cubic feet (mcft) against a total capacity of 11,257 mcft. Meanwhile, officials from Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) maintained that there is no acute water scarcity in the city at present.
“The current water level can meet the need of drinking water supply for next one and half months. Under such circumstances, we are hopeful of receiving copious rainfall being predicted by meteorology department,” said a senior CMWSSB official. Further, the Andhra Pradesh government is continuously releasing Krishna water to Poondi reservoir, from where about 24 MLD of water is being withdrawn, the official added.
The water level in metro water lakes, a few weeks ago, was considerably lower, giving jitters to CMWSSB officials.
Later, the release of Krishna water added a shot in the arm with intermittent rainfall. Even the officials, at one point of time, explored the possibilities of drawing water from agricultural renting wells.
“If northeast monsoon failed to provide good rainfall, we may have to go for other ground water sources,” said another engineer, preferring anonymity.
