Low-pressure area likely to become a depression within 24 hours
According to the IMD's latest bulletin issued on Saturday, November 14, the low-pressure system over the Southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area.
The weather system was located over the same region at 5:30 am on Saturday. The department said it was likely to move northwestwards and develop into a depression within the next 24 hours.
After reaching the depression stage, the system is expected to move north-northwestwards and intensify further over the central Bay of Bengal. The IMD has indicated that it could develop into a cyclonic storm around the evening of November 16.
The projected movement and intensification of the system have prompted the weather department to issue warnings for maritime activities in the affected areas.
Wind speeds may reach 80 kmph from November 17
The developing system is expected to influence weather conditions over the Andaman Sea, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and large parts of the Bay of Bengal.
The IMD has forecast squally weather, with wind speeds potentially reaching 60 kmph in the affected maritime regions.
Conditions could deteriorate further from November 17, when wind speeds may increase to around 80 kmph. Such conditions are expected to persist for the following two days, according to the department's forecast.
The strengthening winds and rough sea conditions could pose risks to fishing vessels and other maritime activities. Authorities and people involved in fishing operations have therefore been advised to follow the weather department's warnings.
Fishermen asked to return to shore by November 15
In view of the expected deterioration in sea conditions, the IMD has advised fishermen currently operating in the affected waters to return to the coast by November 15.
The department has also warned fishermen not to venture into the sea during the period of adverse weather.
The advisory is intended to reduce the risk to fishing communities as the system moves towards the central Bay of Bengal and potentially strengthens into a cyclonic storm.
IMD monitoring the system's movement
The weather department is continuing to monitor the system's development, including its movement and the possibility of further intensification.
The next stages of development will be important in determining the eventual strength and movement of the system. For now, the IMD's forecast points to a possible cyclonic storm over the central Bay of Bengal around November 16 evening, followed by stronger winds from November 17.
Fishermen and maritime operators have been urged to take the advisory seriously and avoid entering the affected waters until conditions improve.
