Bay of Bengal low-pressure area likely to form and ease Tamil Nadu rain deficit

New weather system developing over Bay of Bengal

A fresh weather system forming over the Bay of Bengal is set to bring widespread rainfall to Tamil Nadu, offering timely relief to agricultural belts and boosting regional reservoirs. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) announced that an upper air cyclonic circulation over the south Andaman Sea is expected to trigger a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal on Friday.

Meteorologists expect the system to gather strength and intensify into a depression by 15 November. The anticipated rainfall is expected to recharge key water sources and significantly reduce the seasonal rainfall deficit that has affected several coastal and delta districts during the current monsoon season.

Regional impact and district-wise forecast

November remains the crucial rainfall month for Tamil Nadu, with major districts relying heavily on the Northeast monsoon for annual water storage. Urban centres and agricultural districts such as Chennai, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, and Tiruchi receive the bulk of their annual rainfall during this period.

Recent weeks have seen deficient rainfall in key farming zones, making the upcoming system essential for agriculture and regional water security. Districts currently recording rainfall shortfalls include Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Chengalpattu, and Tiruvarur. Active weather management and precise forecasting by state authorities aim to ensure agricultural activities benefit fully from the incoming wet spell.

Tracking the depression's movement

Weather officials noted that while initial models show favourable movement towards the Tamil Nadu coast, the precise impact zones will become clearer as the system gains intensity over the coming days.

V.R. Durai, Head of the Regional Weather Forecasting Centre at the RMC, stated that the weather agency is closely tracking the system's progression and its potential to develop further. He noted that systems originating over the southwest Bay of Bengal routinely move towards the Tamil Nadu coast, drawing parallels with the initial circulation pattern observed during Cyclone Murasu.

The current atmospheric setup across the state is also supported by an upper air cyclonic circulation over the Gulf of Mannar, which continues to drive moderate rainfall over southern and delta districts. With state administrative mechanisms and forecasting teams closely monitoring developments, the upcoming weather system is expected to deliver much-needed water replenishment to Tamil Nadu's reservoirs and agricultural fields.