Under the influence of a persistent cyclonic circulation, a low-pressure area has formed over the equatorial region of Southeast Bay of Bengal (BoB) . It is likely to become more marked in the next 24hr. Low pressure will move slowly west-northwest and reach close to Sri Lanka and southern parts of Southwest BoB in the subsequent 3 days.
Post withdrawal of northeast monsoon, there is break in weather activity for South Peninsula. However, MJO ( Madden Julian Oscillation) is in active phase over the Indian Ocean. Courtesy MJO, the low pressure area is likely to become well marked in the next 24hr. It may not strengthen further, as the system lies in the proximity of equatorial region, quite low in latitude.
Low pressure is likely to move closer to east coast of Sri Lanka in the next 48hr. A compact cyclonic circulation of the system will move across Sri Lanka, Gulf of Mannar and Comorin region. Northward extension of the weather system will reach parts of Tamil Nadu first and Kerala later. Rain and thundershowers are likely over these 2 states between 30th &31st Jan and 01st Feb.
