The system prevailing over southwest Bay of Bengal continues to give moderate to heavy widespread rain over entire Tamil Nadu, coastal Andhra Pradesh and traces of rainfall over Odisha. According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, the system has been sustaining its strength, however showing signs of weakening.
In a span of last 24 hours, Chennai in Tamil Nadu recorded 87 mm of rainfall, Karaikal 18 mm, Nagapattinam 12.4 mm, Palayamkottai 14 mm, Coimbatore 5.3 mm, Cuddalore 5 mm and Madurai 3.5 mm.
In Andhra Pradesh, Kalingapatnam received 11 mm, Visakhapatnam 5.4 mm, Machilipatnam 3.3 mm, Nellore 3 mm and Kakinada 2.3 mm of rain. While Bhubaneswar in Odisha reported traces of rain.
According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, rainfall will witness a reduction in intensity, as the system moves forward along the east coast. The rain belt will also shift its focus and will cover coastal and interior parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, and even parts of West Bengal during the next 24 hours. Kolkata might witness rain on the eve of New Year.
As the system is travelling along the coast, heavy rain will continue to be confined to sea region only, while coastal areas will witness light to moderate spells. This proximity with the coast will not let the system intensify further.
As per Skymet, the course of the system is very rare as it is not very commonly seen during the month of December that any system in Bay of Bengal travels along the east coast till Bengal region. Generally, cyclonic disturbances during this time only strikes Tamil Nadu.
