TN sees rainfall in March, but was it unseasonal? Experts weigh in

The Met Department has, however, warned that the state will see dry days ahead.
TN sees rainfall in March, but was it unseasonal? Experts weigh in
TN sees rainfall in March, but was it unseasonal? Experts weigh in
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It’s not even summer yet, but Tamil Nadu has been baking under the scorching sun for the last few months. The state usually sees rains and cooler weather in the months of November and December, when the north-east monsoon lashes the state.

Rainfall in March is pretty rare and so when Chennai folks woke up to pleasant weather on March 17, many were surprised. Various parts of the state have seen showers since March 13 as the result of a low pressure system (LPS) formed in the Arabian Sea.

On March 13, southern districts such as Kanyakumari, Thoothukudi and Ramanathapuram received good rainfall from the LPS that deepened into a depression in the Arabian Sea.

Explaining the phenomenon, Dr S Balachandran, Director of Chennai Meteorological Department says that the rainfall is the result of easterly winds meeting with the westerly winds.

Pradeep John, a weather expert from the city, adds that this weather pattern is the combined result of wind convergence and Line of Wind Discontinuity (LWD). "LWD is nothing but sudden change in wind direction. This is more beneficial for the interior parts of TN," he says.

March 14 brought in a good amount of rainfall for the southern districts of the state. Pradeep posted on his Facebook page, Tamil Nadu Weatherman, that Thoothukudi recorded its heaviest rainfall received in one day, measuring 200 mm, in the last 63 years.

According to a report released by the Met Department, on March 17, Chennai city experienced mild showers intermittently and has recorded 2.9 mm of rainfall. Cumulative rainfall from March 1 to March 18 has been recorded at 23.5 mm for the state.

Pradeep shares that this, however, is not unprecedented. “In March 2017, the state recorded 34.5 mm rainfall. It has been observed that the normal rainfall for TN in March is 18.3mm. This year, however, the rainfall received so far (23.5 mm) is 107% above normal. But, so far, we don't expect to see more of it.”

While the state received unexpected showers in the past week, dry days are looming ahead, warns the Met department. 

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