‘Coastal areas to see more dry spells next 30 years’

Interiors may see more wet seasons, says varsity study 

Localities close to the coast in Chennai are expected to witness dry periods frequently over the next three decades, says a study by Anna University calling for a decision-support system for drought and management of reservoirs. According to a study on spatio-temporal rainfall and meteorological drought by the Department of Geology, Anna University, the localities near the coast such as Mylapore, Chepauk and Nungambakkam may experience dry spells more frequently in the coming decades. (The dry period is arrived based on the assumption that rainfall is less than 5 mm for more than 60 days). For instance, the number of times the dry conditions may occur in Nungambakkam is predicted to be in the range of 68-103 times between 2021 and 2099, said Anandharuban P., a research fellow and one of the authors of the study. It was funded by the Department of Science and Technology (Water Technology Initiative).

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