Low-pressure area formed over Arabian Sea; northeast monsoon intensifies
What's the story
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert as the Northeast monsoon strengthens. A low-pressure area formed over the southeast Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep on Saturday morning, becoming "well-marked" by afternoon. The IMD expects it to move west-northwest and develop into a depression by Sunday noon, further strengthening the Northeast monsoon in southern India.
Rainfall alert
Heavy rains expected in several regions
The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall over Kerala, Mahe, and Lakshadweep on Sunday. Coastal Karnataka, South Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal are also likely to witness heavy rains. Thunderstorms and lightning are expected in several regions, including Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kerala, South Interior Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, with Odisha and Telangana also experiencing these conditions.
Weather warning
IMD warns of rough seas along Kerala, Karnataka coasts
The IMD has also warned of rough seas with wind speeds of 35-45km/h, gusting to 55km/h, along the coasts of Kerala and Karnataka. Squally weather is likely over adjoining sea areas, Lakshadweep, Comorin area, Maldives, most parts of the southeast Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Mannar. Meanwhile, an upper air cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay has moved westwards to lie over the Gulf of Mannar.
Weather update
Another low-pressure area likely to form on Tuesday
Another cyclonic circulation is located over the south Andaman Sea and the adjoining southeast Bay. This system may develop into a low-pressure area by Tuesday, earlier than expected. The IMD said it could move west-northwest toward the Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coasts and intensify into a depression over the central and south Bay in the next two days.
Weather impact
Rain expected over Andaman and Nicobar islands
A rain-bearing trough runs from the well-marked low over the southeast Arabian Sea to a cyclonic circulation over the south Andaman Sea. Parts of Central India, West India, East and East-Central India are likely to benefit from these weather systems. Light to moderate rain with isolated heavy rainfall is expected over the Nicobar on Saturday and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for four days from Sunday.