The ongoing spell of rainfall over southern parts of India is expected to continue until January 9. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) director C.S. Patil stated that Many districts across the southern state will receive moderate to heavy rains over the next three days due to cyclonic circulation and a low-level trough over the Arabian Sea on the west and Bay of Bengal on the east.
A trough in low-level easterlies runs from the east-central Arabian Sea off Karnataka coast to south Madhya Maharashtra, as stated by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This active easterly wave spell is set to cause scattered to fairly widespread rains, thunderstorms, and lightning over southern peninsular India during the next 4-5 days. The forecast adds that isolated heavy rainfall is possible over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, and Mahe until January 9.
Yellow Alert
The Karnataka government issued a yellow alert in Hassan, Chikkamgaluru, Kodagu, Shivamogga, Dakshina Kannada, Uthara Kannada and Udupi districts, on Thursday. Widespread rains are expected in coastal districts and Malnad region.
The IMD has placed Tamil Nadu and Kerala under a yellow watch until January 9. South Interior Karnataka and Coastal Karnataka were also under the watch. The yellow watch advises residents to ‘be aware’ of the local weather situation.
An indication?
A recent report titled ‘Climate of India during 2020’, compiled by the Climate Research and Services (CRS) of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), has indicated that over the course of 2020, India registered bountiful countrywide precipitation worth 117.7 cm.
What is to be expected?
South Peninsular India recorded the highest increase in rainfall as compared to its long period average (LPA), as it registered 129% more precipitation than normal. With a thoroughly wet start to the year 2021, early signs point towards the possibility of yet another above-average year in terms over rainfall over the region.