Earlier, the highest rainfall (80 mm) over the city was recorded on May 16, 1915. Accordingly, rain in Anantapur has smashed more than a century-long record. In fact, the monthly average of 53 mm was left behind by a big margin in just a day.
Another station, Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh also recorded 46 mm of rain which is the highest after 2009.
In the month of May, the above-mentioned areas of Rayalaseema and adjoining regions do not receive such heavy rainfall. Pre-Monsoon showers do occur but the intensity is not much until and unless rainfall is due to any strong weather system over the Bay of Bengal. Therefore, monthly average is also not more than 50 mm generally. Monsoon reaches here after the first week of June, increasing rainfall activity to some extent.
A trough extending from Gangetic West Bengal to Rayalaseema can be held responsible for such heavy showers. Along the trough line convective clouds develop and whenever the top of these clouds reach enormous heights, they become capable of giving heavy to very heavy showers over a small area. Such a situation was observed on Saturday over Anantapur and Kurnool.
Though on and off rains will continue over Andhra Pradesh including Rayalaseema, we do not expect such intense showers over the next 2 days. Only light to moderate rains are likely in patches.
Image Credit - Deccan Chronicle
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