Sri Vijaya Puram, May 25: The India Meteorological Department has issued a weather alert for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands forecasting thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds across the archipelago till May 30, prompting authorities to advise caution for fishermen, coastal residents and commuters as rough sea conditions are expected to intensify along and off the islands’ coast.
According to the forecast issued on May 24, thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph are likely to occur at isolated places across the islands between May 25 and May 30. The department further warned that squally weather conditions with winds occasionally gusting up to 60 kmph are likely to prevail along and off the Andaman and Nicobar coast during the period.
The weather advisory comes at a time when the southwest monsoon has begun strengthening over the Bay of Bengal region, leading to unstable atmospheric conditions and increased moisture activity over the islands. Officials said intermittent spells of rain, lightning activity and rough sea conditions may affect marine movement and outdoor activities in several parts of the Union Territory over the coming days.
Authorities have advised fishermen and small boat operators to remain cautious while venturing into the sea, particularly during periods of intense squally weather. Coastal residents and those engaged in inter-island movement have also been urged to stay updated with local weather bulletins and follow advisories issued by the administration and disaster management authorities.
The latest warning has triggered preparedness measures across departments as the islands enter a critical pre-monsoon transition phase. Emergency response teams and local administrative units are expected to remain on alert in vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas susceptible to strong winds, falling trees and temporary disruptions in transport and power supply during thunderstorms.
The advisory is particularly significant for the islands, where weather conditions can change rapidly due to the region’s maritime geography. Strong winds and lightning activity often impact ferry movement, fishing operations and road connectivity in certain areas during active monsoon spells.
Officials said people should avoid taking shelter under isolated trees during thunderstorms and ensure loose outdoor materials are secured to prevent accidents during gusty wind conditions. Residents have also been advised to avoid unnecessary marine travel during periods of rough sea activity.
The warning assumes added importance as multiple government departments are simultaneously conducting field-level outreach and public programmes across the islands ahead of the monsoon season.
The Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services recently launched a mass deworming programme for livestock across South Andaman district as a preventive health measure ahead of the monsoon and the upcoming Foot and Mouth Disease vaccination campaign. Veterinary teams have been visiting remote and rural areas to administer treatment and spread awareness regarding livestock health management during the rainy season.
Similarly, the health department has intensified screening and awareness activities under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’s 100-day intensified campaign, with health camps and outreach services being conducted across urban and rural locations in the islands.
Environmental and civic bodies have also stepped up preparedness initiatives. A recent technical workshop conducted in South Andaman focused on improving the operation and maintenance of baling machines used in solid waste management systems across Gram Panchayats, amid concerns that monsoon conditions often complicate waste handling and transportation in island regions.
Experts associated with disaster preparedness say pre-monsoon alerts are crucial for island territories because heavy rain and gusty winds can quickly disrupt supply chains, transport links and communication networks in geographically isolated areas.
The India Meteorological Department regularly issues marine and weather advisories for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands during the monsoon transition period due to the region’s exposure to low-pressure systems, cyclonic circulations and strong sea currents in the Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman Sea.
Authorities said district administrations and local agencies will continue monitoring the evolving weather situation closely over the next few days. Residents have been encouraged to rely only on official forecasts and avoid spreading unverified information regarding weather conditions on social media platforms.
With squally weather expected to persist through the week, officials reiterated that precautionary measures and public cooperation would remain critical in minimising disruptions and ensuring safety during the active monsoon phase across the islands.
