All India SWM rainfall Toppers from 01.06.2013 to 10.06.2013

The much awaited SWM toppers list is back. 

Rainfall in mm (Minimum of 400 mm)

1. Kannur (Kerala) - 606
2. Vadakara (Kerala) - 590
3. Cherrapunji (Meghalaya) -554
4. Dapoli (Maharashtra) - 529
5. Tulshi Lake (Maharashtra) - 528
6. Gaganbawada (Maharashtra) - 525
7. Kalimpong (West Bengal) - 513
8. Guhagar (Maharashtra) - 488
9. Mangalore (Karnataka) - 480
10. Irukkur (Kerala) - 475
11. Surathkal (Karnataka) - 465
12. Baindur (Karnataka) - 461
13. Buxaduar (West Bengal) - 460
14. Kudulu (Kerala) - 460
15. Thamarasery (Kerala) - 450
16. Thane Belapur (Maharashtra) - 439
17. Mulki (Karnataka) - 435
18. Hosdurg (Kerala) - 430
19. Pilicode (Kerala) - 430
20. Kundapur (Karnataka) - 428
21. Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) - 426
22. Gazoldoba (West Bengal) - 410
23. Sawantawadi (Maharashtra) - 403
24. Alappuzha (Kerala) - 400
25. Kumta (Karnataka) -  400

More on Leh Rainfall and cloudburst

13th August, 2010 - Times of India

The cloudburst has again brought out the glaring lack of adequate documentation on such sporadic weather events. J Srinivasan, chairman of Divecha Centre for Climate Change and head of Centre for Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, tells TOI's Jayashree Nandi about the need for extensive research on extreme weather events like the cloudburst. Excerpts:

What do you think of the cloudburst disaster at Leh?
Cloudbursts are events in which high rainfall occur over a very small area, in a very short time span (typically more than 100 mm/hour for a few hours). We do not have much data about this phenomenon. However, such events have occurred earlier in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. For instance, many people were killed in a cloudburst at Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand) on August 7, 2009. These events are rare in Jammu and Kashmir and hence the Leh cloudburst was unexpected. Extreme rainfall events (rainfall more than 100 mm/day) have increased by 50% during the past 50 years. This year we had floods in Pakistan, Gujarat and now in Jammu and Kashmir.

How long did it rain in Leh and across how much area?
India Meteorological Department data says it rained between 1.30 am and 2 am in Leh on August 6. A weather station near Leh recorded only 12.8 mm of rainfall in 24 hours. These events are extremely localized in an area probably less than 30 square kilometres. In August, the normal rainfall in Leh is 15.4 mm and the highest recorded in this season was 51 mm. But this time, the rainfall was probably much higher than that.

Have such events taken place earlier? Is it similar to 2005 Mumbai floods?
Such events occur every year in mountainous regions. Many events are not reported because of insufficient data. For instance, if it happens in some remote areas of Himachal Pradesh and if there is no a weather station close by and there is no habitation in those areas, the event doesn't get reported. Leh cloudburst is comparable to Mumbai floods because it rained for over 12 hours in Mumbai.

Could this be due to climate change?
IMD observations show that events of extreme rainfall have increased by 50% during the past 50 years. And, most climate models predict that global warming will increase such events. We cannot claim that a specific extreme event is due to global warming although we know that the probability of such events will increase as the earth becomes warmer.

Have any new observations been made on climate science recently?
In March, this year a disputed island on the Bangladesh-India border called Talpatti disappeared completely. Such events will occur more often in the future. The impact of sea level rise will not be seen in one or two years because the changes are slow. Similarly in case of temperature rise, IPCC predicts that there will be three degrees rise in 100 years. So that means a .03 degrees rise every year. We will not notice these changes easily unless we look at the long-term trend.

Do you think our policies are robust enough to deal with climate change?
Global warming will have serious impact on our life within 30 to 40 years. We have to act immediately because the transition from the present fossil-fuel dependent economy to one based on renewable energy will take many decades. Sadly, the vision and leadership on global warming has been lacking.

Changing weather pattern signals more rain for Ahmedabad

August 10, 2010 - Daily News Analysis

Amdavadis looking for respite from torrential rains have some bad news — though not for tomorrow or the day after. Weather pattern is changing and the city could be lashed by more heavy rains this monsoon and in coming years as it has been noted in the last decade that heavy rainfall events are increasing in the city.

On August 8, 2010 - 237.4 mm rainfall was recorded in Ahmedabad. The all-time record for 24-hour rainfall in August for the city is 250 mm recorded on August 30 in 1976. In the last decade, Sunday's rainfall was next only to the heaviest 24-hour rainfall ever recorded at Ahmedabad observatory at 325.9 mm on July 14, 2000.

An overview of the past decade shows that the frequency of heavy rainfall in the city has increased from 39 in 1979-88 to 50 in 1999-2008. As the city limped back to normalcy on Monday, it was learnt that the torrential rainfall that lashed the city on Sunday was the highest 24-hour rainfall in the last 10 years. With this, the city has recorded 930.4 mm rainfall till Monday, which is 130 mm more than normal. This figure exceeds the average annual seasonal rainfall in the city. With the change in formation of rain mechanisms, a significant rise in the number of average rainy days in month of July has also been noted. "The total average rainy days during the month of July for Gujarat were 15," said Kamaljit Ray, director of India meteorological department, Gujarat. The average rainy days in the state in July for the last 50 years are 11.

Moreover, for the last three decades, due to climate change, the state gets more rains from Arabian Sea than the Bay of Bengal. With this, a gradual rise in heavy rainfall events and city's average rainfall has been observed by the state's weather office. The city has witnessed a series of heavy rainfalls this season. It received 85.8 mm rain within 24 hours on August 2, 2010 which was also a heavy rainfall event of this monsoon for the city as well as the third highest 24-hour rainfall event in August during the last decade.

Dehradun receives 364 mm, the second highest after 25 July 1966 when it got 467 mm.

July 31, 2010 - The Tribune

The Meteorological Department confirmed that the rainfall (364 mm) during the past 24 hours on 31st July 2010 was the second highest after 25 July 1966 when it rained 467 mm.

People being rescued in the Morowala area, near Dehradun

Incessant downpour in the past 36 hours wrecked havoc in Dehradun city. Hundreds of houses got flooded as many boundary walls or constructions gave way to the pressure of gushing flood waters.

Residents cross a flooded stream at Nehru Gram and (right) submerged cars in a workshop in Dehradun.

The encroachers, who had extended their houses on drains or built these entirely on drains, paid for their erroneous acts with their houses getting flooded. The Irrigation Department, which is required to act in matters related to flooding of houses, had no clue to the extent of the damage. BK Tamta, Director Irrigation, said that he would assess the situation soon. Dr Vijayender Pal, counsellor, complained that despite the PWD and MDDA having their own Disaster Management Cell left it all on the Municipal Corporation to manage the crisis. Dehra Dun received 364 mm followed by Kashipur 245 mm over the past 24 hours. Excess rain has been recorded in Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, Haridwar and Naini Tal since June 1 while other districts have received normal rainfall, Anand Sharma, Director, State Meteorological Centre here, said.

Chennai - After May & June its July's turn to be cooler & wetter

Chennaiites are finding this month unusual — and they are not complaining. Not only has the monthly average temperature fallen , the days are getting good rains. The weatherman attributes this ‘monsoon flavour’ to low pressure formations and some other favourable meteorological systems. “The presence of an upper air cyclonic circulation over the west-central Bay with a southern tilt, a north-south trough over Chennai and a weak upper air system have the potential to bring scattered rainfall” said YEA Raj, deputy directorgeneral, Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai.

The trough has been present for many days during this month, resulting in light showers. For the common man, it just means he has to take out the umbrella or get drenched, happily. “This evening was almost like a monsoon day with intermittent drizzle. This is a pleasant surprise in the city which sees an extended summer till as late as October. Many residents said the weather was similar to that experienced in winter due to murky sky and intermittent showers through the day. Evening showers in the past few days have left some of the low-level areas, particularly in suburbs, water-logged.

Chennai gets an average of 98 mm rain in July, this July Nungambakkam has registered 155 mm of rainfall. Unlike Coimbatore and Kanyakumari, which are in the windward side of the southwest monsoon, most areas do not benefit from good precipitation. Y. E. A. Raj, Deputy Director-General of Meteorology, Regional Meteorological Centre, said it was unusual for the city to be wet and receive such rainfall during July. Chennai normally receives more rainfall in August and September. While July 2008 and 2009 were comparatively drier, receiving 29 mm and 37 mm, the city has recorded good rains in July in the past.

Jamnagar gets 466 mm & Mandvi 449 mm as Rain batters Gujarat

A record-breaking 466 mm of rainfall was recorded in Jamnagar city in the past 24 hours. Rains continued to lash the city and district all through Monday night and early on Tuesday morning, causing major parts of the city to be inundated. According to reports from Jamnagar district control room, the city recorded the maximum rainfall with 466 mm up till Tuesday morning. This apart, Khambhaliya recorded 208 mm rainfall, Jodiya 212 mm, Lalpur 164 mm, Kalyanpur, 155 mm and Bhanvad 85 mm rainfall. Mandvi, too, got its highest 24-hour rainfall of 449 mm.

Caught in an endless spiral of incessant rainfall, many localities of Jamnagar in Gujarat remained submerged after waters from the city's Lakota lake overflowed in the wake of heavy rains earlier in the day. Local residents were left struggling for survival after water flooded their homes and inundated roads while bringing normal life in the city to a virtual standstill.

Hundreds of people and vehicles remained stranded due to roads either being cut-off by the floodwaters or closed as a precautionary measure."The Lakota pond, which is located in the heart of Jamnagar, has overflowed because of the rains. We have diverted the overflowing waters to the regional river, due to which the inflow has been significantly reduced. The outflow of water is also being controlled by regulating the gateways," said P. Swarup, Commissioner of Jamnagar.

In 12 hours, Kodinar gets 355.6mm rainfall

22 July 2010 - Times of India

Heavy to very heavy rains have been reported from all across Saurashtra, with Kodinar and Talala receiving maximum rainfall in the past 24 hours till Wednesday evening. While more heavy showers have been predicted in the next 72 hours. According to the state meteorological department, Kodinar witnessed a cloud burst type of situation in which 355.6 mm of rainfall was reported. Similarly, Talala also experienced heavy rains at 254 mm of rainfall by Wednesday evening, bureau reports said.

"Flash floods were reported in Kodinar and Talala, where people living in low-lying areas were evacuated to safer places on a war-footing. Total rainfall of the season in Kodinar has now gone up to 680 mm. Areas like Viratnagar, government quarters and Ravi Complex in Kodinar were deluged with most of the shops remaining shut and people indoors. In Talala, Hiran river experienced a flash flood which swamped Tirupati Nagar area. A house in Tirupati Nagar was struck by lightning. However, no casualty was reported," said a district administrative official from Junagadh. However, no untoward report was received from any place in Junagadh.

Other talukas to receive major rainfall were Una, Visavadar and Sutrapada apart from Junagadh city. Schools and colleges in both Kodinar and Talala remained closed due to heavy rains. Following flash flood in Hiran river in Talala, water was flowing seven feet high on the bridge linking Sangodragir area, turning it into a virtual island disconnected from administrative help. Reports said, in Kodinar, two gates of Shingoda dam were opened after it started overflowing, while in Talala, 15 feet of water intake was reported in Kamleshwer dam.

Widespread Rainfall across Tamilnadu in last 2 days

July 10, 2010 - The Hindu

Ramanathapuram

Several parts of Ramanathapuram districts received heavy rain on Friday, bringing cheer to the people. The rain, which began at around 10.30 a.m., continued till around 12 noon. The town received good rainfall for the first time since May. Rainwater logged the streets such as Vandikkara Street, Vevekanandar Street, Salai Street, Kenikarai, Agraharam Road and other low lying areas of the town. The sky was overcast all through the day in Ramanathapuram. Other areas including Paramakudi, a few places around Thiruvadanai received moderate to heavy rain. The rain had brought down the temperature to a great extent, which was abnormally high during the last few days. It was expected that the present climate would continue to prevail for a few more days.

Sivaganga

Many parts of Sivaganga districts including Karaikudi and Sivaganga also received heavy downpour on Friday. The people of Karaikudi enjoyed the heavy rain that lashed at the early hours. Many streets were flooded due to the heavy rainfall.

Salem

Rains for nearly two hours lashed Salem city and its suburbs on Thursday night inundating all low-lying areas. An unidentified body was found in a drainage channel on Friday morning at Seelanaickenpatti here. Rain water mixed with sewage entered the houses at many low-lying areas in the city forcing the residents to undergo a sleepless night on Thursday. As Corporation was undertaking desilting works in the channel at Narayanana Nagar, the entire water overflowed on to the streets causing great hardship to the residents who insisted that the works should be completed before the onset of rainy season. Sankagiri registered the maximum rainfall of 66 mm followed by Salem city - 55.5 mm, Yercaud - 55, Mettur - 54.8, Edapadi - 44 and Omalur - 19.8.

Krishnagiri

Heavy rain lashed many parts of the Krishangiri districts on Thursday night. Due to this, water level in many water bodies in the districts have improved moderately. Flood water entered residential colonies in low-lying areas near KRP Dam in Krishnagiri. Villagers of Chinnamuthur, Sundekuppam and Periyamuthur said that even a brief spell of rain, flood water logged in the area for two-three days. This is because of the absence of proper storm water drain facilities and encroachments on the canals, villagers said. The water level of the KRP Dam on Thursday was 48 ft against its full height of 52 ft. Depression brought rain in the district whole night on Thursday, from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Water levels rose in many water bodies in Denkanikottai, Thali area. The maximum rainfall registered in Thali is 107 mm. Rainfall in other areas in mm: Nedungal - 96.4, Shoolagiri - 86.4, Denkankottai - 86, KRP Dam - 75, Krishnagiri - 37.5, Anchetti - 25, Uthangarai - 33, Hosur - 14.4 and Royakottai - 14.

Dharmapuri

Due to heavy downpour in Dharmapuri, many roads such as Four Roads junction, Tirupattur Road, Mohamed Ali Road and Pennagaram Road were flooded. In many places, rain water was flowing on the road along with sewage. Rainfall registered in mm: Palacode - 114, Dharmapuri - 105, Marandaalli - 92.6, Thumbal Alli Dam - 57, Pennagaram - 44, Pambar - 40, Nagavathi - 33 and Chinnar Dam - 27.

Erode

Erode district witnessed moderate to heavy showers on Thursday night. Bhavani Sagar registered a maximum rainfall of 64 mm followed by Perundurai (30 mm). A few other parts in the district including Erode town, Bhavani, Gobichettipalayam and Sathyamangalam also received moderate showers on Thursday night.

Ambala receives around 600 mm rainfall in three days

July 07, 2010 - The Hindu

Ambala, around 45 km from Chandigarh, has received around 600 mm rainfall in the last three days.

Ambala Rainfall
——————–
5th July – 174 mm
6th July – 191 mm
7th July – 197 mm

Major roads and rail tracks are flooded. Rivulets like Tangri near Ambala and Markanada were flowing above the danger mark. Few cracks have also appeared in the SYL canal in Kurukshetra where the water has crossed the danger mark and has entered many villages. "More enquiry counter to be opened at Ambala , the officer should show more maturity, " said Manish Tiwari , CPRO , Northern Railways.

Passengers in the Ambala Railway station are stranded as confusion still prevails as a result of the floods. "I have just arrived from Hissar, the train will start only by late evening. They may also cancel some trains, but what we expect is that at least they keep updating us about the trains services", said a stranded passenger. There was three to four feet of water at many places in Ambala, disrupting power supply and paralyzing normal life. Now the situation is under control,’ Ambala Deputy Commissioner S.P. Srow said.

Ambala, which is also a major army and air force base, remained under one to two feet of water. ‘No one from the administration is helping us. We don’t even have drinking water. All our household things have been damaged by water,’ said Savitri Devi, a resident of Ambala.

Chennai: One of the coolest June in decades

July 01, 2010 - Times Of India

If you enjoyed the weather more this June, you had good reason to feel as if spring was in the air. It was the third coolest June in 42 years with the mercury dipping below the average for 14 days in the month, said Met officials. “This June, the average fell from 37 to 35.2 degrees Celsius. In 1991, it was 34.3 degrees and 34.9 degrees in 1996,” said YEA Raj, deputy director general, regional meteorological centre. Since 2005, the monthly average has been higher. With the onset of the southwest monsoon, local thunder storm activity brought in a good amount of rainfall to the city. Met officials said the arrival of cyclone Laila and the rainfall in the wake of its withdrawal was the beginning of a good run on the weather front. The city enjoyed nine days of rainfall of varying degrees this June. Although nowhere near the record 698 mm seen in 1996, Nungambakkam registered 137 mm and Meenambakkam 130. The city’s normal is around 40 mm for June, added Raj. In 1991, the city received 264 mm in June.

The thunderstorm activity was not restricted to the city alone, with all but three districts receiving excess rainfall. Against the normal of 42.1 mm, the state received 78.5 mm, an 87% excess. “The last month has been exceedingly good for the state. The trend is likely to continue in July as well, and we can expect more rains and cooler days,” added Raj.

Cyclone Laila batters Andhra - Addanki receives 522 mm & Maddipadu 510 mm

Andhra Pradesh heaved a sigh of relief after cyclone Laila weakened ahead of landfall about 30 km from Bapatla in Guntur district on Thursday afternoon but still left 16 people dead, flooded thousands of homes, snapped power supply in many areas and threw rail and road traffic out of gear in the coastal region of the state.

The cyclone hit the coast near Bapatla around 1.40 pm and moved on northwards by 5.30 pm. "The system is likely to weaken gradually and move initially in a northerly direction and then recurve in northeasterly direction towards south Orissa. There is a possibility of the cyclonic system emerging in the north Bay of Bengal and intensifying again over sea," the Indian Meteorological department warned and called for vigil across the region for at least another 24 hours. Despite the cyclonic system moving away, the coastal region of AP is expected to receive heavy to very heavy rains on Friday as well.

The swollen Addavagu at Madhiralapadu surging with flood waters in Ongole after Cyclone Laila hit.

Even as the cyclone-battered Ongole town is limping back to normality, the heavy rain received in the last two days, has made rivulets like Gundlakamma, Addavagu, Pothurajukalva swollen.

Addanki received the highest rainfall of 522 mm followed by Maddipadu 510 mm and Kothapatnam 258 mm in the last 24 hours. Ongole has got 320 mm on May 20th and 142 mm in last 24 hours. Three irrigation tanks suffered breaches People in several villages like Maddiralapadu, Chevella, Karavadi, Gundayapalem, Chintala were marooned on Friday.