IMD Warns of Heavy Rainfall in South India; Urge Fishermen, Farmers to Stay Alert

The northeast monsoon season accelerated over the weekend, wreaking havoc on various regions of Tamil Nadu, even places that had previously escaped the rains, such as the state capital Chennai. 

This rainy spell is expected to last through the first week of November, with further heavy showers expected not just in Tamil Nadu but also in the neighboring South Indian states. 

Over the next five days, scattered heavy rains are expected throughout Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal, Kerala & Mahe, South Interior Karnataka, Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam, and Rayalaseema, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). From Tuesday to Thursday, November 2-4, Telangana and Coastal Karnataka may see similar conditions. 

Furthermore, extremely heavy rains are expected across the south interior and coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal on November 1-2, as well as Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on Monday. 

The Met Team of The Weather Channel predicts that the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh will be particularly drenched, while Lakshadweep will also witness enhanced rainfall activity throughout the first half of the week. 

In light of these forecasts, the IMD has issued an orange alert ('be prepared' for severe weather) for the states that are expected to experience very heavy rain. The other states have been placed on a yellow watch ('be aware' of local meteorological conditions) because of the possibility of heavy rainfall. 

A low-pressure system above Sri Lanka, off the coast of Tamil Nadu, and its accompanying cyclonic circulation will be responsible for these conditions. The system will most likely stay in this area for the next two days before moving westward thereafter. 

Keeping this in mind, the Met Department has asked the Farmers as well as Fishermen in the southern states to stay alert.

Moreover, from Tuesday, November 2 onwards, the lower-level easterly winds across north peninsular India are predicted to intensify, contributing to the total rainfall activity. 

Meanwhile, several South Indian states had above-average precipitation until October 2021 due to the delayed departure of the southwest monsoon season and a wet start to the northeast monsoon period that followed. 

Kerala experienced 589.9 mm rainfall from October 1 to 31, which is 94 percent more than the monthly average and the highest October rainfall in the past 120 years! 

In comparison to their respective October averages, Tamil Nadu (228 mm) and Karnataka (194.6 mm) both saw 29 percent and 48 percent 'excess' rain. 

On the other hand, Andhra Pradesh (118.8 mm) and Telangana (591 mm) both had 'insufficient' precipitation throughout the month.