The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has alerted about the formation of a low-pressure area near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, potentially evolving into a cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal by around November 29. The IMD anticipates a west-northwestward movement and subsequent intensification into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal by November 29. Following this, the system is expected to progress northwestward, possibly intensifying further into a cyclonic storm within the subsequent 48 hours.
While the weather agency has refrained from making definitive predictions regarding the storm’s trajectory towards the coast or potential landfall, it has issued an orange alert for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands on November 28 and 29. Anticipating the impending weather, the agency forecasts isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall, ranging from 115.6 to 204.4 mm, along with gusty winds between 40-50 kmph during these dates.
Presently, scattered to broken low and medium clouds, accompanied by intense to very intense convection, are observed over the South Andaman Sea. The IMD highlighted the likelihood of moderate to rough sea conditions over the South Andaman Sea and the Andaman Nicobar Islands due to these developments.
The agency’s observations indicate a maximum sustained wind speed of 10 knots, gusting up to 20 knots, with an estimated central pressure of 1010 HPA in the area of concern. In light of these projections, the IMD advises caution regarding sea conditions in the specified regions.
This forecast follows the recent cyclonic storm ‘Midhili,’ which emerged from a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal on November 17. After crossing the Bangladesh coast, ‘Midhili’ weakened into a deep depression and subsequently a depression, impacting northeastern states like Tripura and Mizoram. The storm prompted the Tripura government to declare a holiday for government and private schools and Anganwadi centers. It also disrupted air services in the affected regions.
The impending cyclonic development near the Andaman Islands is the latest in a series during this season, following cyclone Hamoon’s trajectory towards the Bangladesh coast earlier. As the IMD continues to monitor the situation, preparations and precautions in the affected areas remain crucial to mitigate potential risks associated with the evolving weather system.
Sources By Agencies