Low Pressure Area Forms Over Bay: Rainfall Likely Over Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Sri Lanka
Key Takeaways:
- Low-pressure area over South Bay of Bengal to drive widespread rain across Sri Lanka.
- Peak activity from 17–22 February over Sri Lanka, strongest in east and south.
- Unseasonal rain in Tamil Nadu and Kerala from 21–23 February, heavy along Tamil Nadu coast on Feb 21.
- Weather clears from 24 February onward, restoring stable conditions.
Under the influence of persisting cyclonic circulation over the equatorial region, a low pressure area has formed over the central parts of the South Bay of Bengal (BoB) and the equatorial region. It is likely to move eastward and become more marked in the next 24 hours. The weather system is placed quite low in latitude and therefore may not intensify much. Nevertheless, fairly widespread rain and showers are likely for the island nation Sri Lanka. The weather activity will spread wings to reach extreme southern parts of India and affect Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
The eastern and southern parts of Sri Lanka will have the major share of activity, and the northern half of the island nation will escape severe weather. The eastern coastline will start experiencing weather today itself and thereafter stretch to reach the west coast on 19th Feb 2026. The places favourable for severe weather activity will include Galle, Kandy, Hambantota, Ambalantota, Yala, and extend till Batticaloa along the eastern shore. The capital city Colombo will also have peripheral effects and get lashed with moderate showers. The weather activity over Sri Lanka will take place between 17th and 22nd February 2026.
The states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala will have an unseasonal spell of rain and thundershowers between 21st and 23rd February 2026. The showers could be heavy at isolated places along the coastline of Tamil Nadu on 21st Feb. The places at risk will include Chennai, Puducherry, Cuddalore, Karaikal, Nagapattinam, Tondi, Pamban, Tuticorin, and Kanyakumari. The coastline and interiors of Kerala will also receive moderate to heavy showers during this period. The rainfall belt will extend from Thiruvananthapuram to Kozhikode, across Alappuzha, Punalur, Kovalam, and Kochi. Broad clearance over the region is likely from 24th Feb 2026 onwards.
