Date:23/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/23/stories/2006082312230400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Rain likely in north coastal districts

Special Correspondent

Low pressure in Bay of Bengal between Bengal and Orissa

HYDERABAD: A fresh weather system is developing in the Bay of Bengal and is likely to bring heavy rain in north coastal districts again.

The system lay as a low pressure in the sea between West Bengal and North Orissa.

As it is far away from the coast, India Meteorological Department has not issued any forecast about its likely path and where it will cross the coast. M. Satya Kumar, director, State Met Office here, said "Things may become clear by Wednesday".

However, the office issued a heavy rainfall warning, valid for Wednesday, to Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and East and West Godavari districts. Strong surface winds from south-westerly direction with speeds reaching 45-50 kmph are likely along and off north coastal Andhra Pradesh during the next 24 hours.

Places in Telangana and Rayalaseema, too, were also likely to get moderate rain.

Meanwhile, Prathipadu received rainfall of 5 cm during the 24-hour period ending 8.30 a.m. on Tuesday, and Polavaram and Thamballapalli 4 cm each.

The places that received rainfall are Ongole, Koderu, Tanuku, Podili -- 3 cm each -- and Arogyavaram, Kakinada, Koida, Coonavaram, Nuzvid, Tiruvur, Palakonda, Palasa, Venkatagiri and Vinjamur -- 2 cm each.