The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning regarding a developing weather system in the Bay of Bengal, predicting its intensification into a depression by November 15, 2026. This system is set to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
A low-pressure area initially formed over the Southeast Bay of Bengal on the morning of November 13, influenced by an upper-air cyclonic circulation above the central Andaman Sea. The IMD projects this system to move northwestward, first strengthening into a well-marked low-pressure area around November 14, and subsequently into a full depression by November 15.
Andaman Islands on High Alert for Severe Weather
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are forecasted to experience widespread rainfall from November 13 through November 19, with isolated instances of heavy rainfall particularly between November 13 and 16. Residents should also prepare for isolated thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, potentially reaching 30-40 kmph and gusting up to 50 kmph, during this four-day period.
The IMD warns that these conditions could lead to significant disruptions and damage. Potential impacts include the uprooting of small trees, damage to horticultural crops, and partial structural harm to vulnerable buildings and kutcha houses. Traffic on both road and rail networks may be affected, and there is a risk of localized flooding, landslides, and reduced visibility.
Broader Weather Patterns Across India
While the focus remains on the Bay of Bengal depression, other weather systems are active across India:
- Northwest India: An active Western Disturbance is causing wet weather. Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad are expected to see widespread rainfall on November 13, followed by scattered showers until November 15. Thunderstorms with lightning and strong winds (40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph) are likely on November 13 and 14.
- Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand: Isolated to scattered rainfall is anticipated from November 13 to 15, with thunderstorms and lightning for Himachal Pradesh on November 13 and 14.
- Punjab and Rajasthan: Punjab is slated for isolated rainfall on November 13. West Rajasthan will experience isolated rain on November 14 and 15, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30-40 kmph, gusting to 50 kmph) on November 14.
- Northeast India: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya are likely to see isolated to scattered rainfall from November 15 to 17. Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura can expect similar conditions from November 16 to 19.
Conversely, no significant weather activity is predicted for West, Central, and South Peninsular India during the upcoming week.
In the 24 hours leading up to November 13, rainfall was observed in most areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Significant rainfall figures included 3 cm in Kupwara, and 2 cm each in Pahalgam, Srinagar, and Port Blair.