Trough in Andaman sea heading towards Tamil Nadu

As the north-east monsoon deceived and left the state to witness one of its poorest season in its history last year, most of the areas are experiencing drought-like situation with the worst being in the delta region. A month after Cyclone Vardah wreaked havoc in several northern districts including Chennai, Chief Minister O Panneerselvam declared the entire state as droughthit. 

However, a trough of low pressure has formed over the south Andaman sea and it is expected to intensify in the coming days, promising rains in several parts of the state and also in the water-starved Chennai city.  Coastal areas, are likely to receive rains from Friday, sources in the Met office said. 

“Some parts of Chennai will witness moderate showers and the trough is expected to bring cloud cover and rain. The rains are expected to continue till January 23,” sources from the meteorological office said. The fresh round of rains is a welcome sign as it would put an end to one of the longest dry spells in the state. Tamil Nadu had not received rains post cyclone Vardah, which did not increase the storage in lakes and reservoirs, that crossed near Chennai on December 12. 

As a result, the level of water in the reservoirs catesring to the drinking water needs of Chennai, has plummeted to abysmal depths. Chennai city, which has been reeling under intense heat conditions during day time and chilly weather in the night, would witness overcast sky from Friday, with the possibility of some rains in isolated parts during late evening or early morning. Since the New Year, the region has remained mostly dry with the city recording a mere 0.1 mm of rain against the normal 22 mm.