Which place will end up as the Rainfall topper in 2012 SWM

After last year's epic rainfall race for being the wettest places during South West Monsoon. I have compiled a poll for viewers and rain followers voting for the season 2012. The link to the polls is here Poll code. The 2011 rankings can be found here - 2011 SWM rainfall rankings

Which place will end up as the Rainfall topper in 2012 SWM
	Cherrapunji (Meghalaya)
	Hulikal (Karnataka)
	Agumbe (Karnataka)
	Amboli (Maharashtra)
	Kollur (Karnataka)
	Gaganbawada (Maharashtra)
	Sangameshwar (Maharashtra)
	Mulshi (Maharashtra)
	Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra)
	Bhagamandala (Karnataka)
	Matheran (Maharashtra)
	Kottigehara (Karnataka)
	Tamini (Maharashtra)
	Nilkund (Karnataka)
	Castle Rock (Karnataka)
	Buxaduar (Karnataka)
	Jowai (Meghalaya)
	Anini (Arunachal Pradesh)
	Chinna Kallar (Tamil Nadu)
	Any other places of viewer choice
pollcode.com free polls

All India Rainfall Toppers - 01.01.2012 to 10.03.2012

The rainfall figures given are in mm (Top 20 places)

1. Manali (Himachal Pradesh) - 500
   
2. Car Nicobar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) - 401
3. Anini (Arunachal Pradesh) - 330
4. Dharmashala (Himachal Pradesh) - 330
5. Kalpa (Himachal Pradesh) - 330
   
6. Nancowry (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) - 305
   
7. Bhuntar (Himachal Pradesh) - 270
8. Kavali (Andhra Pradesh) - 233
   
9. Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) - 195
   
10. Srinagar - (Jammu & Kashmir) - 190
11. Hut Bay (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) - 180
    
12. Sundernagar (Himachal Pradesh) - 180
    
13. Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir) - 170
    
14. Passighat (Arunachal Pradesh) - 150
15. Silchar (Assam) - 150
    
16. Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) - 150
17. Pechiparai Dam (Tamil Nadu) - 145
    
18. Varakala (Kerala) - 140
    
19. Cherrapunji (Megahlaya) - 135
20. Roing (Arunachal Pradesh) - 130
    

Other places may also have obtained more rainfall than the station quoted above.

Annual Rainfall 2011 - India Major Cities (Population above 2 million)

Rainfall in cm year total

Chennai Finished a proud second for the year 2011 behind Mumbai. Mumbai is the undisputed wettest city in India. The second place is a battle between Kolkata and Chennai. This year Chennai has trumped. There is significant shift in Chennai's rainfall in last 4 years. In 2008 - 160 cms, 2009 - 118, 2010 -161 cms and 2011 -184 cms. Thrice in 4 years, it has crossed 160 cms.

(Rainfall in cm)

1. Mumbai – 287
   
2. Chennai - 184
   
3. Kolkata – 158
4. Bhopal - 127
5. Surat – 122
6. Bangalore – 118
   
7. Lucknow – 110
8. Pune – 103
9. Nagpur – 100
10. Patna - 96
    
11. Ahmedabad – 73
12. Jaipur – 72
    
13. Delhi – 71
14. Hyderabad – 61

Recent Wind Speed of various Cyclones in CHENNAI

Will Very Severe Cyclone Thane beat all the above records so far it has registered 37 km/hr winds without even coming close to the coast.

1. Cyclone Jal 47 km/hr (7/11/2010)
2. Cyclone Thane  43 km/hr (30/12/2011)
3. Cyclone Laila 42 km/hr (19/5/2010)
4. Cyclone Nisha 42 km/hr (26/11/2008)
5. Depression BOB 08 40 km/hr (28/10/2007)
6. Depression BOB 07 45 km/hr (27/09/2007)
7. Cyclone Ogni 50 km/hr (28/10/2006)

Other cyclones in last 20 years when chennai witnessed 100 km/hr winds

1. On 6th, December 1996 (Tropical Cyclone 08B) - a Cyclone which crossed Chennai produced 100 km/hr winds
2. On 31st, October 1994 (Severe Cyclonic Storm BOB 03) - a cyclone which crossed Chennai brought 120-130 km/hr winds
   

Cyclone Thane Update - Cyclone Thane now Very Severe Cyclone with Winds speed over 150 km/hr

The status of Cyclone Thane
-----------------------------------
Date and Time of issue - 011.30 PM (28.12.2011)
IMD Scale - Very Severe Cyclonic Storm
Intensity – 4.4
Pressure – 980 mmb
Wind Speed – 75 kts (140 kmph)
Location – 12.23 N 83.84 E
Weakening - OFF
Rapid Weakening - OFF
Landfall - Around Pondicherry
Crossing Date - 30th December Morning

Meteosat-7 image of Cyclone Thane

Awesome First Glance of Cyclone in Radar

Close up Range of Chennai Radar

Accuweather Precipitation

NOAA - e-trap precipitation Forecast (Chennai to be battered)

All Major Models Forecast and Track

JTWC Forecast and Track shows land fall near Pondy

IMD forecast and Track shows landfall just near Chennai

Cyclone Thane update - Chennai is still the Target

The status of Cyclone Thane as on Indian Time - 05.00 PM
-----------------------------------
Intensity – 3.5
Pressure – 993 mmb
Wind Speed – 55 kts (102 kmph)
Location – 12.61 N 86.15 E
Weakening - OFF
Rapid Weakening - OFF
Landfall - Around Chennai
Crossing Date - 30th December Morning

All Models Track

JTWC Forecast and Track

BBC Forecast

IMD Forecast and Track

IMD Wind Forecast

Chennai under Threat - Cyclone Thane, a Category 1 Storm as per ADT

Wow what a speedy intensification the storm has gone through last 6 hours. It took 12 hours for the storm to intensify from T 2.0(30 kts) to T.30 (45 kts). But it took just past 6 hrs to intensify from T 3.0 (45 kts) to T 4.0 (65 kts). Some of the Salient status of the storm are as follows.

Intensity – 4.0
Pressure – 985 mmb
Wind Speed – 65 kts
Location – 11.06 N 87.76 E
Scene Type – EYE/L

Late December Cyclones: Will it happen during 2011

Many models predict cyclone to come close to Tamil Nadu coast during last week of December 2011.


I have compiled some of the cyclones which have formed in December and have crossed Tamil Nadu coast since 1950.

Almost all the cyclones have formed in the first week of December. Only one cyclone ie 1964 Rameshwaram Cyclone which crossed the Tamil Nadu coast and the 2000 Sri Lanka cyclone have formed around the Christmas period. And the 1964 cyclone was the only super cyclone to hit Tamil Nadu in recent memory. The Sri Lanka cyclone was the first cyclone over Sri Lanka with winds of at least hurricane strength since 1978.

GFS Boxing day Future Cyclone - 26th December, 2011

GFS predicts Two Cyclones in the next two weeks in North Indian basin

The most important South West Monsoon (SWM) has withdrawn with less number of cylones in 2011. However, the North East Monsoon (NEM) has simultaneously set in. A near cyclone has already crossed the coast of Bangladesh/Myanmar last week. Most models predict above normal rains for this year's NEM.

Renowned model - GFS is predicting two cyclone in either seas surrounding Indian peninsula. One each in Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.

Arabian Sea Cyclone expected near Pakistan coast on 3rd November

The First storm is taking the same route which Cyclone Phet 2010 took. It kisses the Arabian peninsula and travels west crossing Pakistan / Indian (Gujarat) coast. The Pakistan/Indian areas of Gujarat and Rajasthan which have already got more than their normal rains, can rejoice with this un-expected cyclone with the rains it brings. The wind speed are expected to be at 100 km/hr. This system is already in the process of forming, a Low pressure Area (LPA) has already formed. JTWC, NRL Navy & FNMOC have already started to track this system. The sea surface temperature (SST) is also ripe for a cyclone. The system is presently located at 7.6N 64.5E and the Minimum Sea Level Pressure (MSLP) is 1010 mb. The maximum sustained surface winds are 15 knots.

A Very Severe cyclone is expected near Tamil Nadu coast on 10th November.

This is very early to comment at this future cyclone. However the storm looks scary. If the storm forms in the same intensity the GFS model predicts, it will be one of the strongest cyclone to cross Tamil Nadu coast. Winds are expected over 150 km/hr. Hope the Government takes necessary precautions at that time. As of now not much information is available. So lets see how accurate GFS model is.

Recent Tamil Nadu Cyclones and its awesome radar images

Deep Depression (October 26-29, 2005)






































Significant amounts of rainfall recorded in Tamil Nadu are

27-10-2005
Chennai 27, Chennai AP 21, and Red Hills 13 cm

28-10-2005
Tiruvallur and Poondi 27 cm, Red Hills 24 cm, Chembarambakkam 23 cm, Tamaraipakkam 22 cm, Chennai, Cholavaram, Korattur 16 cm, Chennai AP 15 cm and Tambaram 13 cm
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Cyclone Baaz (November 28- December 02, 2005)





































Significant amounts of rainfall recorded in Tamil Nadu are

03-12-2005
Tambaram 31 cm, Chennai AP 28 cm, Thiruvallur and Chennai 23 cm, Arakonam 21 cm, Sriperumbudur 18 cm, Chengalpattu and Red hills 15 cm, Tiruttani 14 cm, Poondi 13 cm, Ponneri 11 cm
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cyclone Fanoos (06-10 December , 2005)










































Significant amounts of rainfall recorded in Tamil Nadu are

11-12-2005
Ramanathapuram 35 cm, Panruti 14 cm, Senkottai 13 cm, Pamban, Kamudhi and Madhukar 12 cm, Kadaladi 11 cm and Ambasamudram 10 cm

12-12-2005
Ambasamudram 17 cm, Senkottai 13 cm and Paramakudi 12 cm
-----------------------------------------------------------

Depression (27-29 October, 2007)






































Significant amounts of rainfall recorded in Tamil Nadu are

29.10.2007

Chembarambakkam 18 cm, Red Hills 16 cm, Chennai and Chennai AP 14 cm, Cholavaram and Poondi 10 cm

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Cyclone Nisha (25-27 November, 2008)






































Significant amounts of rainfall recorded in Tamil Nadu are

25.11.2008

Thiruvidalmarthu 30 cm, Rameswaram 23 cm, Orathanadu 19 cm, Mayiladuthurai 17 cm, Tirukkattupalli and Pamban 15 cm, Tiruvaiyar and Thanjavur 14 cm, Sirkali and Kollidam 13 cm, Papanasam and Ramanathapuram 12 cm, Kumbakonam and Kattumannarkoil 11 cm, Sethiyathope Anicut and Chidambaram 10 cm.

26.11.2008
Orathanadu and Vedaranniyam 33 cm, Parangipettai and Chidambaram 28 cm Thiruvidalmarthu and Mayiladuthurai 26 cm, Sirkali 25 cm, Kattumannarkoil 24 cm, Cuddalore 22 cm, Sethiyathope Anicut and Kollidam 21 cm, Tiruthuraipndi and Nagapattinam-20 each, -18 each, Karaikal 19 cm, Puduchhery, Adirampattinam Tiruvarur and Kodavasal 18 cm, Nannilam 17 cm, Valangiman, Kumbhakonam, and Tarangambadi 15 cm, Needamangalam and Chembarabakkam 14 cm, Rameswaram, Papansam, Pattukkottai, Mannargudi, Muthupet and Jayamkondam 13 cm, Korattur, Adiramapatnam and Srimushnam 12 cm, Chryyur, Red Hills and Chennai AP 11 cm, Thanjavur, Anna University, Poondi, Cholvaram, Marina and Chennai 10 cm

27.11.2008
Orathanadu 66 cm, Thanjavur 53 cm, Vedaranyam 42 cm, Adiramapattinam 33 cm, Muthupet 30 cm, Kurungulam 28, Kumbakonam 26 cm, Pattukottai 23 cm, Madukkur 21 cm, Tiruvidaimarudur 20 cm, Thiruvaiyaru 19 cm, Papanasam, Tirukkattupalli 18 cm, Chennai AP, Chennai and Chembarabakkam 14 cm, Korattur 12 cm, Nagapattinam, Red Hills, Pondicherry 11 cm, Poondi, Cholavaram, Cuddalore, Tiruchy and Tiruttani 10 cm

28.11.2008

Chennai AP 28 cm, Chembarabakkam 24 cm, Anna University 23 cm, Cuddalore 22 cm, Puduchhery 21 cm, Tiruvallur 20 cm, Tamaraipakkam 19 cm, Chengelpet, Ayiyalur, Tanjavur, Vellore-17 each, Pallipattu, Villupuram, Poonamallee, Muthupet, Poondi, Korattur 16 cm, Lalgudi, Chettykulam, Padallur, Red Hills, Tiruchchirapalli 15 cm, Tozhudur, Nungambakkam, perumbalur, Parangipettai, Srimushnam, Tiruvaiyaru, Cholavaram, Ponneri, Vanur, Chennai 14 cm, Tambaram, Tirukkattupalli, Utheriramerur, Kodavasal, Gingee, Kancheepuram-13 each, kollidam, Grand Anicut, Arni, Polur, Tirutani, Vandavasi, Tindivanam, Sriperumbudur-12 each, Thiruvidalmarthu, Chryyar, Samayapuram, Ulundurpet, Marina (DGP Office)-11 each, Tiruchi, Tiruvarur, Valangiman, Vembavur, Kumbhakonam, Orathanadu 10 cm

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Cyclone Laila (17-22 May, 2010)



















































Significant amounts of rainfall recorded in Tamil Nadu are

20-05-2010
Ponneri 17 cm, Cholavaram 13 cm, Chennai, Anna University and Tamaraipakkam 11 each, Marina DGP Office 10 cm

Final Verdict: All India SWM winner is Amgaon with 8965 mm rainfall in 4 months

After 120 days of South West Monsoon, we finally have a winner and it is Amagaon from Karnataka. The legend Cherrapunji managed to cross 6000 mm mark. Amagaon & Hulikal were clear winners in 2011 SWM season.

I will still continue to rank the toppers in North East Monsoon too. From Tamil Nadu, Chinna Kallar made the list with 4800 mm rainfall. Watch out for this place in NEM. It gets rains in NEM too.

All India

Rainfall in mm's (Min 4000 mm)

1. Amgaon (Karnataka) - 8965
2. Hulikal (Karnataka) - 8319
3. Mastikatte (Karnataka) - 7561
4. Amboli (Maharashtra) - 7449
5. Kollur (Karnataka) - 7427
6. Agumbe (Karnataka) - 7405
7. Yadur (Karnataka) - 7309
8. Mani (Karnataka) - 7154
9. Gaganbawada (Maharashtra) - 6900
10. Kogar (Karnataka) - 6851
11. Gavali (Karnataka) - 6775
12. Sangameshwar (Maharashtra) - 6698
13. Mulshi Dam (Maharashtra) - 6471
14. Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra) - 6464
15. Kerekatte (Karnataka) - 6259
16. Cherrapunji (Meghalaya) - 6140
17. Patagon Dam (Maharashtra) - 6027
18. Kasari Dam (Maharashtra) - 5870
19. Bhira (Maharashtra) - 5725
20. Kerveshe (Karnataka) - 5696
21. Kigga (Karnataka) - 5619
22. Radhanagri Dam (Maharashtra) - 5421
23. Koyna Dam (Maharashtra) - 5419
24. Kadra (Karnataka) - 5325
25. Lonavala Dam (Maharashtra) - 5318
26. Siddapura (Karnataka) - 5289
27. Gerosoppa (Karnataka) - 5206
28. Tillari (Maharashtra) - 5066
29. Gorkhana (Karnataka) - 5038 
30. Mandangad (Maharashtra) - 4840
31. Ajekar (Karnataka) - 4820
32. Valpoi (Goa) - 4817
33. Dapoli (Maharashtra) - 4813
34. Chinna Kallar (Tamil Nadu) - 4800
35. Chiplun (Maharashtra) - 4690
36. Vaibhavwadi (Maharshtra) - 4638
37. Rajapur (Maharashtra) - 4542
38. Kankavli (Maharashtra) - 4534
39. Bhagamandala (Karnataka) - 4532
40. Tulshi Lake (Maharashtra) - 4526
41. Sawantwadi (Maharashtra) - 4480
42. Mhasla (Maharashtra) - 4445
43. Karkala (Karnataka) - 4422
44. Lanja (Maharashtra) - 4402
45. Matheran (Maharashtra) - 4400
46. Walwand (Maharashtra) - 4393
47. Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) - 4369
48. Dodamarg (Maharashtra) - 4291
49. Quepem (Goa) - 4285
50. Sudhgad (Maharashtra) - 4282
51. Bhatkal (Karnataka) - 4266
52. Radhanagri (Maharashtra) -4262
53. Vadakara (Kerala) - 4231
54. Malvan (Maharashtra) - 4219
55. Tala (Mahrashtra) - 4170
56. Kudal (Maharashtra) - 4078
57. Honavar (Karnataka) - 4073
58. Pawna (Maharashtra) - 4057
59. Sanguem (Goa) - 4047
60. Ponda (Goa)  - 4042
61. Kottigehara (Karnataka) - 4031
62. Udupi (Karnataka) - 4026
63. Khed (Maharashtra) - 4002

Places such as Tamini, Hulikal, Nilkund, Mawsynarm, Poochippara, Walakkad and Castle Rock would have also made the above 4000 mm list.

Major Cities

Apart from the above places, the rank of India's Major Cities (Population above 2 million) for the SWM are as follows
Rainfall in mm SWM total

1. Mumbai – 3155
2. Kolkata – 1403
3. Bhopal - 1266
4. Surat – 1218
5. Lucknow – 1046
6. Indore - 982
7. Nagpur – 911
8. Patna - 871
9. Pune – 803
10. Chennai – 789
11. Ahmedabad – 728
12. Jaipur – 675
13. Delhi – 622
14. Bangalore – 540
15. Hyderabad – 528

For Chennai monsoon (NEM) is yet to begin, i am sure it will end second in the list behind for the year behind Mumbai.

Region wise SWM Toppers
With limited available data, the following are the region wise toppers (Rainfall in mm SWM total)

North India

1.Dharmashala (Himachal Pradesh) - 3180
2.Dehradun (Uttranchal)- 2426
3.Jammu (Kashmir) - 1238

Central India

1. Guna (Madhya Pradesh) - 1825
2.Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) - 1692
3.Raipur (Chhattisgarh) - 1562

North East India

1.Cherrapunji (Meghalaya) - 6140
2.Chouldhowaghat (Assam) - 3026

East India

1.Buxaduar (West Bengal) - 3380
2.Darjeeling (West Bengal) -2657
3.Gangtok (Sikkim) - 2540

North West India

1.Kaprada (Gujarat) - 2811
2.Pardi (Gujarat) - 2476
3.Umerpada (Gujarat) - 2441
4.Mt Abu (Rajasthan) - 2050

West India

1.Amboli (Maharashtra) - 7449
2.Gaganbawada (Maharashtra) - 6900
3.Sangameshwar (Maharashtra) - 6698
4.Mulshi Dam (Maharashtra) - 6471
5.Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra) - 6464


South India

1.Amagaon (Karnataka) - 8965
2.Hulikal (Karnataka) - 8319
3.Mastikatte (Karnataka) - 7561 
4.Agumbe (Karnataka) - 7405
5.Kollur (Karnataka) - 7427

Islands

1.Maya Bundar (Anadaman) -3788
2.Long Island (Andaman) -2579
3.Port Blair (Andaman) -2297

Chennai got battered by Bubble Thunder Storms yesterday

People in Chennai cant forget the record rains we got in August 2011, where 120 year records were shattered by a distance. Particularly the 156 mm rainfall on 24th August, 2011 when thunderstorms formed in the evening kept on coming like a bubble till early morning.

Yesterdays rainfall is also similar, first storms were spotted in radar in the evening and the storms kept on coming like a bubble till early morning. Chennai got 76 mm from this TS, thus crossing 800 mm for the year before the start of NE monsoon. Recently, Chennai's annual rainfall is increased from 1220 mm to 1400 mm by IMD and the last 10 year average works out 1460 mm with 2560 mm received in 2005 being the highest.

We have received 836 mm till today morning, considering the rainfall and daily thunderstorms coming close to Chennai, we have to rethink whether Chennai really falls under rain shadow region. More studies have to initiated by IMD to study this daily phenomenon of Thunderstorms coming above and below belts of Chennai (from Pulicat to Pondicherry). The Radar at Chennai is also the best in India, because of less interference from height restrictions IMD has put in place for Construction of High Rise buildings.

* The name bubble Thunder Storms was given by members of Kea blog

Rainfall ending 8.30 am today in mm around Chennai

Nungambakkam (Chennai) – 76
Chembarampakkam – 60
Arakkonam – 45
Redhills – 42
Kadambathur – 41
Madhavaram – 34
Ennore – 32
Veeranam – 25
Meenambakam (Chennai AP) - 21

Amboli's 7184 mm Rainfall topples Kollur from Lead - All India SWM toppers from 01.06.2011 to 11.09.2011

We have a new leader, my dear respected Rajesh sir has brought Amboli rainfall figure. As expected it has jumped into the lead straight away. The legend Cherrapunji is expected to fall further. While the classic between Kollur and Agumbe is still on.

Rainfall in mm's (Min 4000 mm)

1. Amboli (Maharashtra) - 7184
   
2. Kollur (Karnataka) - 7012
   
3. Agumbe (Karnataka) - 7007
   
4. Gaganbawada (Maharashtra) - 6626
5. Sangameshwar (Maharashtra) - 6486
6. Mulshi (Maharashtra) - 6316
7. Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra) - 6241
8. Cherrapunji (Meghalaya) - 5456
9. Bhira (Maharashtra) - 5452
10. Radhanagri (Maharashtra) - 5347
11. Koyna (Maharashtra) - 5311
12. Lonavala (Maharashtra) - 5116
13. Kadra (Karnataka) - 5104
14. Gerosoppa (Karnataka) - 4986
15. Siddapura (Karnataka) - 4949
16. Tillari (Maharashtra) - 4945
17. Gorkhana (Karnataka) - 4756
18. Valpoi (Goa) - 4601
19. Chinna Kallar (Tamil Nadu) - 4576
20. Rajapur (Maharashtra) - 4497
21. Mandangad (Maharashtra) - 4450
22. Bhagamandala (Karnataka) - 4399
23. Tulshi Lake (Maharashtra) - 4396
24. Kankavli (Maharashtra) - 4374
25. Mhasla (Maharashtra) - 4315
26. Sawantwadi (Maharashtra) - 4311
27. Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) - 4302
28. Walwand (Maharashtra) - 4260
29. Lanja (Maharashtra) - 4214
30. Karkala (Karnataka) - 4118
31. Matheran (Maharashtra) - 4124
32. Chiplun (Maharashtra) - 4029
33. Vadakara (Kerala) - 4015
34. Bhatkal (Karnataka) - 3978
35. Pawna (Maharashtra) - 3928
36. Quepem (Goa) - 3925
37. Malvan (Maharashtra) - 3920
38. Jawhar (Maharashtra) - 3915
39. Sanguem (Goa) - 3900
40. Honavar (Karnataka) - 3900

Places such as Tamini, Hulikal, Nilkund, Mawsynarm, Poochippara, Walakkad and Castle Rock would have also made above 4000 mm list.

Its Amgaon all the way- All India SWM toppers from 01.06.11 to 31.08.11

What else to say there is only one Champion in SWM 2011 ie Amgaon in Karnataka, the new Cherrapunji of Peninsular India, leaving all other way behind by around 600 mm. There are few other competitions like this, Federer vs Nadal in Tennis or the Seabiscuit vs War Admiral in Horse racing. Kollur vs Agumbe in Karnataka and Kitwade and Dajipur in Maharashtra are grinding out each other.

Maharashtra has 39 stations, Karnataka has 35 stations and Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu and Goa one each in the list.

All India SWM toppers from 01.06.2011 to 31.08.2011 (90 days)

Rainfall in mm's (Min 4000 mm)

1. Amgaon (Karnataka) - 7178
2. Kitwade (Maharashtra) - 6509
3. Dajipur (Maharashtra) - 6469 
4. Kollur (Karnataka) - 6309
5. Agumbe (Karnataka) - 6211
   
6. Hardkhala (Maharashtra) - 6016 
7. Kanakumbi (Karnataka) - 5940
8. Sangameshwar (Maharashtra) -5911
9. Kogar (Karnataka) - 5806
10. Gaganbawada (Maharashtra) - 5695
11. Castle Rock (Karnataka) - 5632
12. Mulshi (Maharashtra) - 5304 
13. Gavali (Karnataka) - 5287
14. Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra) - 5287
15. Bandal (Karnataka) - 5196
16. Cherrapunji (Meghalaya) - 5183
17. Talacauvery (Karnataka) - 5127
18. Lajul (Maharashtra) - 5097
19. Patagon (Maharashtra) - 5055
20. Kerveshe (Karnataka) - 4847
21. Mulikar (Karnataka) - 4809
22. Bhira (Maharashtra) - 4800
23. Kasari (Maharashtra) - 4750
24. Amasebail (Karnataka) - 4682
25. Radhanagri Dam (Maharashtra) - 4656
26. Aralagod (Karnataka) - 4655 
27. Kadra (Karnataka) - 4589
    
28. Nandivase (Maharashtra) - 4576 
29. Surlabhi (Karnataka) - 4567
30. Hosangadi (Karnataka) - 4527
31. Koyna Dam (Maharashtra) - 4524
32. Albadi (Karnataka) - 4516
33. Soliwade (Maharashtra) - 4461 
34. Naravi (Karnataka) - 4413
35. Latwan (Maharashtra) - 4407
36. Lonavala (Maharashtra) - 4365
37. Malgund (Maharashtra) - 4344 
38. Halady (Karnataka) - 4340
39. Siddapura (Karnataka) - 4340
40. Gerosoppa (Karnataka) - 4320
41. Dapoli (Maharashtra) - 4289
42. Sanglat (Maharashtra) - 4288
43. Karambavne (Maharashtra) - 4258
44. Karak (Maharashtra) - 4203
45. Gokarna (Karnataka) - 4195
46. Naladi (Karnataka) - 4191
47. Gulvane (Maharashtra) - 4189
48. Chiplun (Maharashtra) -4188
49. Shirgaon (Maharashtra) - 4185 
50. Konhawali (Maharashtra) - 4168
51. Tulshi Lake (Maharashtra) - 4158
52. Mandangad (Maharashtra) - 4156
53. Poynar (Maharashtra) - 4140 
54. Nasarpur (Maharashtra) - 4131
55. Pathardi (Maharashtra) - 4131
56. Sulkeri (Karnataka) - 4118 
57. Katagal (Karnataka) - 4101
58. Kedinje (Karnataka) - 4094
59. Ajekar (Karnataka) - 4092
60. Kudup (Maharashtra) - 4091 
61. Sunkasal (Karnataka) - 4087
62. Pawas (Maharashtra) - 4087 
63. Umgaon (Maharashtra) - 4085
64. Valpoi (Goa) - 4080
65. Kankavli (Maharashtra) - 4066
66. Puttige (Karnataka) - 4054
67. Tillari (Maharashtra) - 4051
68. Chinna Kallar (Tamil Nadu) - 4030
69. Bhagamandala (Karnataka) - 4020
70. Rajapur (Maharashtra) - 4014
71. Vaibhavwadi (Maharashtra) - 4000 
72. Kumbharkhani (Maharashtra) - 4000
73. Mallikarjuna (Karnataka) - 4000 
74. Hosakere (Karnataka) - 4000
75. Chapoli (Karnataka) - 4000
76. Vendse (Karnataka) - 4000
77. Megaravalli (Karnataka) - 4000 

Places such as Tamini, Hulikal, Mawsynarm, Amboli, Poochippara and Walakkad would have also made above 4000 mm list.

India Major Cities (Population above 2 million) 2011 yearly Rainfall till 27.08.2011

Rainfall in cm year total

1. Mumbai – 237
2. Kolkata – 122
3. Lucknow – 95
4. Bangalore – 83
5. Surat – 79
6. Chennai – 70
7. Nagpur – 67
8. Ahmedabad – 62
9. Pune – 55
10. Jaipur – 50
11. Delhi – 48
12. Hyderabad – 47

Chennai NEM is yet to begin. Will it catch second place at the year end?

Kollur crosses 6000 mm and manages to lead SWM toppers till 27.08.2011

The race to be the wettest place in India during SWM 2011 is hotting up and we have only one month to go. September which is considered to be the least wettest during SWM has always thrown surprises. There are only few contenders to take the top spot, one of the surprise entrant is Kollur in Karnataka, which has managed to cross 6000 mm in August itself.

The break up of Kollur Rainfall are as follows -

1. 1000 mm - 15 days
2. 2000 mm - 28 days (13 days for the 1000 mm)
3. 3000 mm - 36 days (8 days for the 1000 mm)
4. 4000 mm - 48 days (12 days for the 1000 mm)
5. 5000 mm - 65 days (17 days for the 1000 mm)
6. 6000 mm - 88 days (23 days for the 1000 mm)

All India SWM toppers from 01.06.2011 to 27.08.2011 (88 days)

Rainfall in mm's (Min 3500 mm)

1. Kollur (Karnataka) - 6022
2. Agumbe (Karnataka) - 5879
3. Sangameshwar (Maharashtra) - 5772
4. Gaganbawada (Maharashtra) - 5267
5. Cherrapunji (Meghalaya) - 5184
6. Mulshi (Maharashtra) - 4810
7. Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra) - 4529
8. Bhira (Maharashtra) - 4392
9. Kadra (Karnataka) - 4326
   
10. Radhanagri (Maharashtra) - 4268
11. Siddapura (Karnataka) - 4137
12. Gerosoppa (Karnataka) - 4092
13. Gorkhana (Karnataka) - 3981
14. Koyna (Maharashtra) - 3959
15. Rajapur (Maharashtra) - 3947
16. Mandangad (Maharashtra) - 3830
17. Chinnakallar (Tamil Nadu) - 3792
18. Lanja (Maharashtra) - 3754
    
19. Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) - 3753
20. Tillari (Maharashtra) - 3733
21. Kanakavali (Maharashtra) - 3724
22. Valpoi (Goa) - 3713
23. Lonavala (Maharashtra) - 3691
24. Karkala (Karnataka) - 3690
25. Bhagamandala (Karnataka) - 3674
26. Quepem (Goa) - 3615
27. Chiplun (Maharashtra) - 3500
    

Places such as Tamini, Hulikal, Nilkund, Mawsynarm, Amboli and Castle Rock would have also made above 3500 mm list.

Records breaking Heavy rains in Chennai in August 2011

Heavy rains lashed the city late in the evening on Wednesday and went on to mid night. The lack of usable storm water drains was felt keenly, as many places were flooded. As much as two to three feet of water was seen on most of the roads. The intensity of the rain sometimes was more than 100 mm/hr.

Records Broken

The all-time record for 24hrs rainfall in August till yesterday for Chennai was 100.3 mm recorded on 20.08.2008. Yesterday (25.08.2011) rainfall at Chennai was 156.2 mm.

The all-time record for Monthly in August for Chennai is 336.3 mm recorded 117 years ago during the year 1894. Till yesterday (25.08.2011) the monthly rainfall at Chennai was 329.7 mm. Chennai needs just 6 mm more to break the 117 year record and it has 5 more days to go. I personally think the record will be broken.

Rainfall ending 8.30 am at 25.08.2011 (Places in and around Chennai)

Chennai (Nungabakkam) – 156 mm
Korattur - 105
Chembarabakkam - 60
Kadambathur – 60
Arakkonam – 38
Red Hills - 27
Poondi – 21
Cholavaram - 21
Chennai Airport (Meenambakkam) – 16
Ennore – 14
Gummidipoondi – 14
Tamaraipakkam - 10
Madhavaram – 7
Poondi – 9
Ellapuram – 8
Katpadi – 7
Madhavaram – 5

All India SWM toppers from 01.06.2011 to 21.08.2011

I have added some more new stations (Koyna, Mulshi, Lonavala, Radhanagri and Tillari ) to the list.

Rainfall in mm's (Min 3000 mm)

1. Kollur (Karnataka) - 5892
2. Agumbe (Karnataka) - 5664
3. Sangameshwar (Maharashtra) - 5542
4. Gaganbawada (Maharashtra) - 5137
5. Cherrapunji (Meghalaya) - 5104
6. Mulshi (Maharashtra) - 4651
7. Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra) - 4371
8. Kadra (Karnataka) - 4266
9. Bhira (Maharashtra) - 4172
10. Radhanagri (Maharashtra) - 4171
11. Siddapura (Karnataka) - 3967
12. Gorkhana (Karnataka) - 3921
13. Rajapur (Maharashtra) - 3847
14. Gerosoppa (Karnataka) - 3831
15. Koyna (Maharashtra) - 3822
16. Lanja (Maharashtra) - 3654
17. Valpoi (Goa) - 3623
18. Bhagamandala (Karnataka) - 3614
19. Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) - 3608
20. Tillari (Maharashtra) - 3607
21. Chinnakallar (Tamil Nadu) - 3602
22. Quepem (Goa) - 3575
23. Kanakavali (Maharashtra) - 3544
24. Mandangad (Maharashtra) - 3500
25. Lonawala (Maharashra) - 3477
26. Karkala (Karnataka) - 3471
27. Vadakara (Kerala) - 3408
28. Mhasla (Maharashtra) - 3322
29. Sawantwadi (Maharashtra) - 3300
30. Bhaktal (Karnataka) - 3287
31. Chiplun (Maharashtra) - 3259
32. Honavar (Karnataka) - 3185
33. Malvan (Maharashtra) - 3170
34. Sanguem (Goa) - 3159
35. Udupi (Karnataka) - 3044

Many other heavy rainfall places which receive rainfall above 4000 mm and have failed to rock this year are as follows - Kottigehara 2947, Matheran 2767, Shirali 2761, Devala 2578, Buxaduar 2530, Vythiri 2299, Peermade 1929 and Passighat 1492 have got below normal rains so far. (Kerala and Tamilnadu places above have NEM quota to fulfill their annual rainfall)

Places such as Tamini, Hulikal, Nilkund, Mawsynarm, Amboli and Castle Rock would have also made above 3000 mm list.

The Living Bridges of Cherrapunji

In an remote corner of Northeast India lives an indigenous tribal people who have been mostly left alone until the past hundred years. Without the amenities of modern technology or engineering, the War-Khasi people have designed an absolutely ingenious way to cross rivers and gulches; manipulating living tree roots to form natural bridges.


The Ficus elastica is a type of rubber tree native to the region. In addition to their massive size and manipulability, the trees have a secondary root system that is essential to the construction of the bridges. They grow out from higher up in the trunk due to their tendency to live above water sources and dip far down into the rivers. Hundreds of years ago, the Khasi people realized the potential benefit of these roots and began to shape them to their advantage.


By taking the trunks of betel nut trees, hollowing them out and cutting in them in half, the tribespeople show the roots where they want them to grow. As the roots slowly grow in search of water, their path continues down the inside of the betel trunk, across the length of the river or ravine. One they arrive at their destination, they’re allowed to dig into the soil and grow strong, and do they ever grow strong.


After about 10-15 years of traveling across the river, the root bridges can eventually hold over 5,000 pounds of weight. Some of them are up to 100 feet in length and the oldest of the bunch is believed to have been constructed around the 16th century.


In recent years, the Khasis actually wanted to get with the times and tear down the bridges to make way for steel ones. It wasn’t until a local resort owner stepped in and realized the worth of these ancient marvels. He convinced them to keep them up and began to photograph them to show the bridges off to the world. Some of them are absolutely stunning, but most magnificent of them all is the Umshiang Double-Decker, shown below.


The Khasis even recently started to grow another bridge.

Source: www.thereifixedit.failblog.org
Courtesy: Atlas Obscura and Tree Hugger.

Rainfall Toppers in Tamil Nadu from 1.6.2011 to 18.8.2011

Rainfall in mm (min 500 mm)

1. Chinnakallar (Coimbatore) - 3488
2. Devala (Nilgiris) - 2508
   
3. Sholayar (Coimbatore) - 2037
4. Valparai (Coimbatore) - 1982
5. Parsons Valley (Nilgiris) - 1611
6. Naduvattam (Nilgiris) - 1498
7. Upper Bhavani (Nilgris) - 1465
8. Porthimund (Nilgiris) - 1393
   
9. Periyar Dam (Theni) - 1086
10. Glenmorgan (Nilgiris) - 922
11. Emerland (Nilgiris) - 898
    
12. Upper Kodayar (Kanyakumari) - 784
13. Pykara (Nilgiris) - 730
14. Lower Kodayar (Kanyakumari) - 666
15. Mukurthy (Nilgris) - 531
    
16. Eravangalar (Theni) - 511
    

All India SWM Rainfall from 01.06.2011 to 15.08.2011 (75 days)

Rainfall in mm's (Min 3500 mm)

1. Amgaon (Karnataka) - 6059
2. Kollur (Karnataka) - 5657
3. Kitwade (Maharashtra) - 5652
4. Dajipur (Maharashtra) - 5503
5. Agumbe (Karnataka) - 5432
6. Sangameshwar (Maharashtra) - 5179
7. Kanakumbi (Karanataka) - 5093
8. Gaganbawada (Maharashtra) - 5023
9. Talacavery (Karnataka) - 4667
10. Castle Rock (Karnataka) - 4645
11. Gavali (Karnataka) - 4593
12. Cherrapunji (Meghalaya) - 4524
13. Mulshi (Maharashtra) - 4438
14. Patagon (Maharashtra) - 4432
15. Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra) - 4356
16. Mulikar (Karnataka) - 4268
17. Amasebail (Karnataka) - 4192
18. Kerveshe (Karnataka)- 4147
19. Lajul (Maharashtra) - 4092
20. Radhanagri (Maharashtra) - 4038
21. Kadra (Karnataka) - 4033
22. Kasari (Maharashtra) - 4003
23. Albadi (Karnataka) - 3946
24. Halady (Karnataka) - 3942
25. Bhira (Maharashtra) - 3940
26. Malgund (Maharashtra) - 3851
27. Hardkhala (Maharashtra) - 3847
28. Chatav (Maharashtra) - 3800 
29. Siddapura (Karnataka) - 3797
30. Koyna Dam (Maharashtra) - 3734 
31. Kedinje (Karnataka) - 3711
32. Nandivase (Maharashtra) - 3705 
33. Naladi (Karnataka) - 3700
34. Soliwade (Maharashtra) - 3679
35. Gerosoppa (Karnataka) - 3617
36. Karak (Maharashtra) - 3614
37. Umgaon (Maharashtra) - 3570
38. Bhagamandala (Karnataka) - 3524
39. Rajapur (Maharashtra) - 3514
40. Gorkhana (Karnataka) - 3533
41. Valpoi (Goa) - 3520
42. Ajekar (Karanataka) - 3511
43. Quepem (Goa) - 3510
44. Katagal (Karnataka)  - 3501
45. Dapoli (Maharashtra) ~ 3500 
46. Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) ~ 3500
47. Puttige (Maharashtra) ~ 3500
48. Pawas (Maharashtra) ~ 3500
49. Kurdhunda (Maharashtra) ~ 3500
50. Vaibhavwadi (Maharashtra) ~ 3500
51. Tillari (Maharashtra) ~ 3500
52. Kurdhunda (Maharashtra) ~ 3500
53. Chinnakallar (Tamil Nadu) ~ 3500
54. Vendse (Karnataka) ~ 3500
55. Chapoli (Karnataka) ~ 3500

Many other heavy rainfall places which receive rainfall above 4000 mm such as Buxaduar, Matheran, Passighat, Devala and Shirali have got below normal rains so far.

Places such as Tamini, Hulikal, Mawsynarm, would have also made above 3500 mm list.

Dam Levels in Tamil Nadu as on 15.08.2011

The South west monsoon is a failure in most of the district of Tamil Nadu except Chennai, Tiruvallur, Coimbatore and Nilgiris. The reservoirs which give water supply to Chennai have better storage compared to last year figures. Some big dams in Coimbatore district such as Sholayar, Parambikulam, Upper Aliyar and Thunnakkadavu are full or nearing full capacity. Except 4 districts quoted above, the storage is not looking good. But the good thing is during the past week SWM is getting active in these central and coastal districts wihch has got below normal rains. Before the NEM starts, the storage will improve further.

Click on the image to open in a new page.

Tamil Nadu Rainfall Toppers during SWM 2011

The two giants have occupied the first two spots clearly shows that in TN, Chinna Kallar and Devala has no fair competitors. Upper Kodayar and Upper Bhavani have got very less compared to is normal rains.

Rainfall in mm from 1.6.2011 to 4.8.2011

1. Chinnakallar (Coimbatore) - 2817
2. Devala (Nilgiris) - 2191
   
3. Sholayar (Coimbatore) - 1740
4. Valparai (Coimbatore) - 1573
5. Parsons Valley (Nilgiris) - 1549
6. Naduvattam (Nilgiris) - 1314
7. Upper Bhavani (Nilgris) - 1288
8. Porthimund (Nilgiris) - 1270
   
9. Periyar Dam (Theni) - 953
10. Emerland (Nilgiris) - 798
    
11. Upper Kodayar (Kanyakumari) - 740
12. Glenmorgan (Nilgiris) - 733
13. Pykara (Nilgiris) - 621
14. Lower Kodayar (Kanyakumari) - 592
15. Tiruvallur - 390
    

Sangameshwar crosses 5000 mm and overtakes Kollur for the race of wettest place during SWM 2011

What a rainfall Sangameshwar had in 2011. Kollur was leading Sangameshwar by more than 1000 mm during mid July. In last 5 days, Sangameshwar has got 840 mm and it was enough to overtake Kollur. The much famed Cherrapunji got 250 mm today. Will its legendery rainfall start, we can see that by end of September. I have missed noting down many places such as Tamini, Lonavala and Koyna.

Rainfall Toppers from 01.06.2011 to 03.08.2011 (64 days)

Rainfall in mm's

1. Sangameshwar (Maharashtra) - 5036
2. Kollur (Karnataka) - 4982
3. Gaganbawada (Maharashtra) - 4485
4. Agumbe (Karnataka) - 4439
5. Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra) - 3600
6. Kadra (Karnataka) - 3576
   
7. Rajapur (Maharashtra) - 3507
8. Cherrapunji (Meghalaya) - 3488
9. Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) - 3324
   
10. Bhira (Maharashtra) - 3312
11. Lanja (Maharashtra) - 3280
12. Quepem (Goa) - 3255
    
13. Siddapura (Karnataka) - 3217
14. Gersoppa (Karnataka) - 3177
    
15. Valopi (Goa) - 3153

Rainfall Toppers from 01.06.2011 to 31.07.2011 (61 days)

Rainfall in mm's (Min 2500 mm)

1. Kollur (Karnataka) - 4832
2. Dajipur (Maharashtra) - 4654
3. Sangameshwar (Maharashtra) - 4375
4. Gaganbawada (Maharashtra) - 4223
5. Agumbe (Karnataka) - 4166
6. Kitwade (Maharashtra) - 4000
7. Lajul (Maharashtra) - 3555
8. Kadra (Karnataka) - 3450
9. Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra) - 3447
10. Mulshi Dam (Maharashtra) - 3370
11. Soliwade (Maharashtra) - 3340
12. Malgund (Maharashtra) - 3287
13. Nerur (Maharashtra) - 3287
14. Cherrapunji (Meghalaya) - 3233
15. Radhanagari Dam (Maharashtra) - 3183
16. Banda (Maharashtra) - 3130 
17. Karak (Maharashtra) - 3130
18. Chatav (Maharashtra) - 3125
19. Awlegaon (Maharashtra) - 3125
20. Bhira (Maharashtra) - 3122
21. Quepem (Goa) - 3075
22. Gerosoppa (Karnataka) - 3046
23. Siddapura (Karnataka) - 3036
24. Pawas (Maharashtra) - 3031
25. Palsamb (Maharashtra) - 3031
26. Rajapur (Maharashtra) - 3001
27. Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) - 3000
28. Girye (Maharashtra) - 2993 
29. Nandivase (Maharashtra) - 2993
30. Gorkhana (Karnataka) - 2960
31. Vaibhavwadi (Maharashtra) - 2953
32. Dapoli (Maharashtra) - 2952 
33. Tarandale (Maharashtra) - 2916
34. Lanja (Maharashtra) - 2915
35. Raipatan (Maharashtra) - 2915
36. Valpoi (Goa) - 2905
37. Umgaon (Maharashtra) - 2880
38. Koyna Dam (Maharashtra) - 2878
39. Tillari (Maharashtra) - 2855
40. Poynar (Maharashtra)-  2849
41. Shirshingi (Maharashtra) - 2849
42. Kankavali (Maharashtra) - 2843
43. Shirgaon (Maharashtra) - 2824
44. Ainari (Maharashtra) - 2824 
45. Shembavane (Maharashtra) - 2800
46. Sarambala (Maharashtra) - 2800 
47. Gulvane (Maharashtra) - 2795
48. Dukanwadi (Maharashtra) - 2795
49. Nardave (Maharashtra) - 2781 
50. Kurdhunda (Maharashtra) - 2781
51. Konhawali (Maharashtra) - 2780
52. Sangulwadi (Maharashtra) - 2780
53. Digawade (Maharashtra) - 2752 
54. Kumbharkhani (Maharashtra) - 2752
55. Pathardi (Maharashtra) - 2751
56. Shivdav (Maharashtra) - 2745
57. Pastewadi (Maharashtra) - 2745
58. Bhagamandala (Karnataka) - 2745
59. Mahalasa (Maharashtra) - 2741 
60. Sawantwadi (Maharashtra) - 2688
61. Tiware (Maharashtra) - 2688 
62. Nadgadwadi (Maharashtra) - 2678
63. Latwan (Maharashtra) - 2672
64. Golvan (Maharashtra) - 2671
65. Chiplun (Maharashtra) - 2664
66. Talsar (Maharashtra) - 2653
67. Pawarwadi (Maharashtra) - 2647
68. Thankarwadi (Maharashtra) - 2646
69. Lavel (Maharashtra) - 2624
70. Het (Maharashtra) - 2624 
71. Sanglat (Maharashtra) - 2621
72. Walawal (Maharashtra) - 2621
73. Chinnakallar (Tamil Nadu) - 2617
74. Dodamarg (Maharashtra) - 2616
75. Malvan (Maharashtra) - 2613
76. Mandangad (Maharashtra) - 2609
77. Vadakara (Kerala) - 2592 
78. Roha (Maharashtra) - 2588 
79. Tilariwadi (Maharashtra) - 2584 
80. Karambavne (Maharashtra) - 2583
81. Lonavala Dam (Maharashtra) - 2580
82. Kheravase (Maharashtra) - 2580
83. Hardkhala (Maharashtra) - 2565
84. Tala (Maharashtra) - 2561
85. Sudhagad (Maharashtra) - 2560
86. Angiwade (Maharashtra) - 2555
87. Mirvane (Maharashtra) - 2555
88. Sanguem (Goa) - 2545
89. Kudup (Maharashtra) - 2542
90. Phondaghat (Maharashtra) - 2542
91. Kudal (Maharashtra) - 2539
92. Karkala (Karnataka) - 2537
93. Murud (Maharashtra) - 2523 
94. Ghonsari (Maharashtra) - 2506
95. Shiravali (Maharashtra) - 2500
96. Radhanagari (Maharashtra) - 2500
97. Canacona (Goa) - 2500
98. Tulshi Lake (Maharashtra) - 2500
99. Bhatkal (Karnataka) - 2500