Flooding, air quality concerns across India, Sri Lanka this week as Diwali festivities begin
A tropical low will bring heavy rain and flooding to Sri Lanka and extreme southern portions of India throughout the week.
“Despite not developing into a tropical cyclone, excessive rain is still expected with this low,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty.
The heaviest rain through Tuesday night will be focused over Sri Lanka, which coincides with the Hindu celebration of Deepavali, also known as Diwali or the “festival of lights."
For much of southern India, rainfall will be very spotty into Wednesday morning before becoming more widespread across southern Tamil Nadu from late Wednesday into Wednesday night. The best chance for heavy, flooding downpours will come after the holiday on Thursday and Friday.
“Northern and eastern Sri Lanka into southern Tamil Nadu and Kerala are expected to see the heaviest rain,” Douty added. Many areas will pick up 100-200 mm of rain (4-8 inches) in just a couple of days.
These sudden downpours could lead to flooding issues. Mudslides will also be a concern across the higher terrain of Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Heavy rain is not uncommon in these areas this time of year as the Northeast Monsoon gets underway. On average, November is the wettest month of the year in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The city averages 375 mm (14.77 inches) for the month.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) officially declared the start of the Northeast Monsoon in these areas on Nov. 1 this year.
Meanwhile, across northern India where the monsoon has come to an end, air quality will be the main concern during Diwali.
Air quality has already been declining due tranquil weather and increased pollutants in the air. following the end of the monsoon.
The concern is that people celebrating Diwali with firecrackers will lead to further pollution, which may not be just a short-term problem.
Indians play with firecrackers during the Diwali festival in Jammu, Thursday, Oct.19, 2017. Worried especially by the impact on the health of children, the Supreme Court this year banned the sale of firecrackers, that is usually in huge demand across the country as the evening sky is lit up by the festivities. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)
“The pollution created by firecrackers could linger in the air for weeks and perhaps even months,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Eric Leister.
No rain is in the forecast across northern India for the foreseeable future.
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