The cyclonic circulation which appeared over the Arabian Sea earlier in the week, triggered the onset of Monsoon over Kerala. But the system later developed into a low pressure and has now become a depression. It currently settles in the Arabian Sea and is affecting rainfall pattern in adjoining areas.
Now when such systems intensify, they carry a lot of energy. Simply speaking, when these systems get intense, they suck a lot of energy and moisture from nearby areas. The strong tight hold that they maintain doesn’t let anything go out. This leads to reduced rainfall activity in peripheral areas. Their tendency to reduce rainfall activity is currently affecting Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
Usually, after the onset of Monsoon in Kerala, these areas receive good amount of rainfall. But this year, due to the intensification of the cyclonic circulation in the Arabian Sea, subdued rainfall activity is being experienced in these parts in the last 24 hours. Generally the Western Ghats, mainly Kerala and coastal Karnataka, receive heavy rainfall right after the onset of monsoon.
The system is expected to affect adjoining mainland areas for another two to three days. Rainfall activity in the region will only pick up once the system moves well away from the coast and weakens. Only then can we expect conditions to become favorable for increased rainfall. This process of revival is expected to take another two to three days. Once the system loosens its grip over peripheral areas, good rainfall activity is expected in the region.
(Featured Image Credit: thehindu.com)
