The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather watch for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with a cyclonic circulation expected to form over the North Andaman Sea around Ashtami (Tuesday). The system is likely to intensify into a low-pressure area by Navami (Wednesday), bringing increased rainfall to the Islands and surrounding Bay of Bengal region.
According to officials, the developing weather system is linked to the same circulation forecast to impact eastern India, including West Bengal and Odisha, later this week. For the Andamans, the initial phase is expected to bring rain with thunderstorms and squally winds, particularly over northern stretches of the archipelago.
Maritime authorities have been alerted as the seas are likely to turn rough by midweek. Fishermen have been strictly advised to avoid venturing into the north and central Bay of Bengal on Thursday and Friday, when conditions are projected to worsen.
While the past few days have seen largely stable weather in the Islands, the IMD cautioned residents to prepare for unsettled conditions as the circulation builds strength. Heavy rain, strong winds, and possible disruptions to ferry and inter-island services could occur if the low-pressure system intensifies as expected.
Meteorologists are closely tracking the movement of the system. Should it deepen further, it may become the first significant post-monsoon weather event originating in the Andaman Sea this season. Officials emphasised that timely warnings would be issued to ensure the safety of coastal and fishing communities across the Islands.
With Durga Puja festivities underway in parts of the country, the weather system’s reach extends beyond the Andamans, with Kolkata and other South Bengal districts likely to face heavy rains on Dashami. For the Islands, however, the focus remains squarely on maritime safety and preparedness as the Bay of Bengal stirs once again.
