Thursday, December 19: The east coast of India is bracing for yet another wet spell as a well-marked low-pressure area in the southwest Bay of Bengal advances toward the Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts. With the weather system intensifying, significant rainfall is expected to drench these regions, keeping residents on high alert for potential disruptions.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system will bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to coastal Andhra Pradesh on December 19, with slightly reduced intensity expected on December 20. The neighbouring Rayalaseema region may see heavy rain on December 19.
Odisha will also brace for light to moderate rainfall accompanied by isolated thunderstorms and lightning on December 19 and isolated heavy spells on December 20.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu, including the union territories of Puducherry and Karaikal, is gearing up for light to moderate rain on December 19. This wet spell is projected to persist until December 24, with sporadic heavy falls continuing over Tamil Nadu and concentrated activity along its northern coastal areas.
Adding to the challenge, squally winds are also expected to sweep across the Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts, with speeds of 35 to 45 kmph and gusts reaching up to 55 kmph. These conditions will also affect the Gulf of Mannar and parts of the Bay of Bengal, making maritime activities perilous until December 22. Accordingly, fishermen have been strongly advised to avoid venturing into these areas during this period.
Although rainfall intensity is forecast to ease over the weekend, the cyclonic circulation associated with the low-pressure system will linger over the Bay of Bengal. This prolonged circulation will extend the rainfall along the eastern coastline, leaving the region soaked well into the following week.
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