A low-pressure area formed over the Southeast Bay of Bengal on Friday morning, following the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the central Andaman Sea and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is forecast to intensify gradually, reaching the status of a cyclonic storm by the evening of November 16.
The Cyclone Warning Centre in Visakhapatnam stated that the system is expected to track northwestward. It is likely to develop into a well-marked low-pressure area on Saturday, November 14, and further intensify into a depression by Sunday morning, November 15. The weather agency noted that the system will continue to move in a north-northwestward direction after this stage.
Prakhar Jain, Managing Director of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, said that current projections suggest the system may move toward the coasts of north Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. However, he emphasized that there is currently no clarity regarding the exact track, intensity, or specific location of a potential landfall. Officials have appealed to the public to rely exclusively on official weather updates.
Regarding the impact on coastal regions, dry weather is expected to persist across Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema until November 16. Light to moderate rainfall is anticipated at isolated locations in Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on November 17. Squally weather, with wind speeds reaching 45-55 kmph and gusts up to 65 kmph, is expected along the Andhra Pradesh coast on November 17. Fishermen have been advised to return to shore by Sunday as sea conditions are expected to become rough.
Key facts
- The low-pressure system formed on Friday morning in the Southeast Bay of Bengal.
- The system is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by the evening of November 16.
- Squally winds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, are forecast for the Andhra Pradesh coast on November 17.
- Fishermen have been advised to return to land by Sunday due to expected rough sea conditions.
Why it matters
The intensifying system poses potential risks to coastal infrastructure and maritime activities. Disaster management authorities have cautioned against sea travel and urged residents in coastal areas to remain vigilant and avoid spreading or acting upon unverified information shared on social media platforms.
Source: The Hindu, Hindustan Times
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