Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 26: The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and lightning at isolated places over the coming days, while squally weather is expected along and off the Andaman coast, prompting authorities to advise fishermen against venturing into the sea.
According to the weather warning issued on August 25, thunderstorm activity accompanied by gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph and lightning is very likely to occur at one or two places over the Andaman & Nicobar Islands on August 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31.
The forecast indicates that unsettled weather conditions may persist across the Islands for nearly a week, requiring residents, fishermen and those involved in marine activities to remain cautious.
A specific warning has also been issued for the Andaman coast, with squally weather and winds reaching 35-45 kmph and occasionally gusting up to 55 kmph likely to prevail along and off the coast from August 26 to 29.
In view of the expected weather conditions, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the Andaman coast from August 25 to 29.
The warning is particularly relevant for fishing communities and people dependent on marine activities, as stronger winds and rougher sea conditions can increase risks for smaller fishing boats and other vessels operating close to the coast.
Alongside the wind warning, a swell surge alert has also been issued for the coastal areas of the Islands. Swell waves with a period of 16.0-18.0 seconds and a height of 1.7-1.8 metres have been forecast up to 8.30 pm on August 26.
The long-period swell conditions raise the possibility of waves surging along coastal areas. People visiting beaches and coastal locations have therefore been advised to exercise caution.
Boats operating in the affected waters have also been advised to ply with utmost vigilance in view of the forecast swell conditions. Recreational activities along the coast are similarly required to be undertaken with due care.
The combination of thunderstorms, gusty winds, squally conditions and swell waves means that marine and coastal activities could face heightened weather-related risks during the forecast period.
The thunderstorm warning covers August 26 through August 31, while the stronger coastal wind warning is currently applicable from August 26 to 29. The fishermen advisory, however, begins from August 25 and remains in effect through August 29.
The forecast is also significant for residents because thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong gusts can result in sudden changes in local weather conditions. People in exposed areas may need to exercise additional caution when weather conditions deteriorate.
For those travelling by boat or involved in coastal activities, the warning underlines the importance of monitoring weather conditions before undertaking journeys. The advisory against venturing into the sea is intended to reduce exposure to potentially hazardous marine conditions during the specified period.
The swell surge alert further indicates that coastal conditions may become uncomfortable or hazardous at certain locations. Members of the public visiting beaches and waterfront areas have been advised to remain cautious and avoid taking unnecessary risks near the water.
The weather advisory has been issued as the Islands continue to experience the changing conditions associated with the prevailing weather system. With thunderstorm activity forecast on multiple consecutive days, residents are advised to remain alert to further updates and warnings.
Detailed information on swell and coastal alerts is available through the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS).
For the immediate period, the key precaution remains for fishermen and marine operators to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sea during the advisory window, while the public is advised to exercise caution around beaches and coastal areas, particularly when swell conditions intensify.
