The low pressure area over Sri Lanka and adjoining areas have moved further westwards and now lies over Sri Lanka, adjoining Gulf of Mannar and southwest Bay of Bengal. According to latest model data, winds in the upper areas suggest that the system will move in a northwest direction.
As reiterated by Skymet, the system has revived Northeast Monsoon in South India. Widespread rain has been observed in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka since last 2 days. However, rain has reduced now and in a span of 24 hours, from 8.30 am on Friday, Karaikal received 38.1 mm of rain, Nagapattinam 27.3 mm, Kanyakumari 23.2 mm, Madurai 0.5 mm and Tiruchirapalli 12.6 mm of rain.
According to rainfall data available with Skymet Meteorology Division in India, a couple of places in Kerala like Thiruvananthapuram and Alapuzha also recorded 4 mm of rain each.
Rainfall has reduced in the neighbouring country of Sri Lanka. Pottuvil on Friday recorded 26 mm of rain, Batticaloa 6.4 mm, Trincomalee 5.7 mm and Kurunegala 6.1 mm.
The rain belt will gradually shift northwards along the east coast. During next 24 hours, widespread rain is likely along north coastal Tamil Nadu and Rayalaseema. Many places in northern parts of Tamil Nadu may receive light rain but, Kerala and south Tamil Nadu will receive patchy rain. Thick clouds could bring rain in Chennai, anytime during next 24 hours.
Thick clouds caused by the system over entire Tamil Nadu will not allow the day temperatures to rise and minimums will maintain levels.
This spell of rain has come as a big relief to South India, Particularly Tamil Nadu and Kerala where Northeast Monsoon had taken a backseat in the last 2-3 weeks.
