The weather system which was lingering close to the Sri Lanka coast for quite some time, moved towards the Andhra Pradesh. The system underwent further intensification and is currently a cyclonic storm Roanu. The cyclone is also expected to further intensify into a severe cyclonic storm.
The cyclone has battered the Andhra Pradesh coast with torrential rains. So much so that many areas have experienced water logging and power woes. While the system is away from Kerala, some record breaking rain has been observed over the state during the last 24 hours.
The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram recorded a whopping 129 mm of rain in a span of 24 hours, which happens to be the highest 24-hour rainfall in a decade. While the highest rains in 10 years are 66 mm which were recorded on May 17, 2015, the monthly average rain for the city stands at 110 mm.
These rains can be attributed to a number of factors. The cyclonic storm has been pulling away all the moisture from the Indian Ocean towards itself, which is why moisture is concentrated right from Kerala across the entire Bay of Bengal. Also, a feeble trough is running across the region adding to the favourable conditions. South-westerly winds were blowing over the region.
Several other areas have also received good rains. For instance, Kozhikode recorded 29 mm of rain followed by Kochi where 19 mm rain was received. Now, the intensity of rains are expected to reduce over Kerala. However, on and off light showers will continue over the region.
Image Credit: madhyamam.com
Please Note: Any information picked from here must be attributed to skymetweather.com
