Low-Pressure System Over Arabian Sea May Intensify: IMD Issues Red Alerts For Maharashtra And Goa
A low-pressure system located over the east-central Arabian Sea is likely to develop into a depression within 36 hours, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Prime News Network reported on Thursday. The weather advisory comes as red alerts are in place for several coastal regions, including Maharashtra and Goa, warning of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall from Friday onwards.
Weather Systems Fuel Cyclone Formation Concerns
At 5:30 am on Thursday, the disturbance remained stationary off the south Konkan-Goa coast, driven by upper-air cyclonic circulation. The IMD noted “intense to very intense convection” in the area—an indicator of potential cyclone development due to vertical air movement. The system is expected to move northward, intensifying into a depression before possibly evolving into a cyclonic storm, which would be named Cyclone Shakthi—a name proposed by Sri Lanka meaning “power” in Tamil.
Red Alerts And Rainy Outlook For West Coast
IMD scientist Akhil Srivastava emphasized that extremely heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for Konkan and Goa for the next three days. “Red alerts are active, and heavy to very heavy rains may extend to Central Maharashtra and other parts of the West Coast,” Srivastava stated Prime News Network. Mumbai already experienced pre-monsoon showers on Wednesday night, with 27 mm rainfall in Santacruz and 10 mm in Colaba by Thursday morning. May 2024 has recorded over 100 mm of rain in the city—700% above average—causing a sharp temperature drop.
Fishermen Advised To Avoid Western Coasts Amid Rough Seas
The IMD has issued warnings for fishermen to avoid venturing into the Arabian Sea along the Somalia coast and southwest Arabian Sea until May 27. The advisory extends to coastal Karnataka, Kerala, and the Konkan region, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall predicted for Konkan and Goa between May 22–24. Dangerous sea conditions are expected to persist, impacting coastal districts like Raigad and Ratnagiri.
Broader Weather Impact Across India
Other weather systems are emerging in the Bay of Bengal, with a low-pressure area forming over the west-central and north Bay around May 27. Strong thunderstorms and gusty winds are forecast for eastern India, including Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura, while central states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh may face stormy conditions. The IMD also confirmed widespread rainfall for south-western India, including coastal Karnataka.
Monsoon Alert: IMD Projects Kerala Onset In 2–3 Days
As atmospheric conditions align, the southwest monsoon is expected to make landfall in Kerala within two to three days before expanding into the southern Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep, and the Bay of Bengal. Authorities nationwide remain on high alert, with the combined threat of cyclonic development, relentless rains, and monsoon intermittency posing challenges for coastal and interior regions alike.
