Weather System Intensifies Over Bay of Bengal
The India Meteorological Department has issued a significant weather warning for several southern regions as a fresh weather system develops over the South Andaman Sea. Between November 22 and 25, travelers heading to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and coastal Andhra Pradesh should prepare for potential disruptions to their plans.
Detailed Forecast and Impact Areas
According to the IMD bulletin issued at 08:08 IST on Saturday, a low-pressure area is expected to form over the South Andaman Sea within the next 24 hours. This system is likely to intensify into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal by November 24 and strengthen further as it moves west-northwestward.
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands will experience the most severe impact, with very heavy rainfall forecast for November 23 and 24. Popular tourist destinations including Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) may face localized flooding in low-lying areas, temporary waterlogging near tourist belts, and disruptions to local transportation services.
Adventure Activities and Marine Travel Affected
The weather conditions will significantly impact water-based activities and marine travel across the region:
- Adventure activities including scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walks, and kayaking may be restricted during peak rainfall periods
- Beaches will experience higher-than-normal waves, making swimming unsafe
- Boat trips to Elephant Beach, Ross Island, and North Bay may be canceled depending on weather conditions
- Trekking routes in hilly areas like Mount Harriet and Baratang's limestone caves may become slippery or susceptible to mudslides
The IMD has specifically warned against venturing into the sea during this period, with squally weather conditions featuring winds of 40-65 kmph expected in the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea until November 25.
Coastal States Prepare for Wet Spell
The developing weather system will extend its influence beyond the islands to popular coastal destinations in Tamil Nadu and Kerala:
Tamil Nadu is expected to receive isolated heavy rainfall on November 22, 23, and 24, potentially affecting travel to beach towns like Mahabalipuram, Kanyakumari, and Rameswaram during the peak tourist season.
Kerala may experience intermittent heavy showers on November 22 and 23, which could impact visitors to Kochi, Kovalam, Varkala, and Alleppey. Houseboat operations in Alleppey and Kumarakom are typically regulated during periods of heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh, including Visakhapatnam and Yanam, may witness thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, potentially causing short-term disruptions to outdoor activities and sightseeing plans.
Weather Conditions in Other Regions
While southern India prepares for significant weather activity, other parts of the country remain relatively stable from a travel perspective:
A cold wave is expected in isolated pockets of West Madhya Pradesh on November 22 and 23, which might affect early morning travel but won't cause major disruptions.
Travelers heading to Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Punjab can anticipate gradually cooling temperatures as minimums fall by 2-4 degrees Celsius over the week. Popular winter destinations including Jaipur, Shimla, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Amritsar will experience comfortable days and colder nights.
Northeast India may witness shallow to moderate fog throughout the week, potentially reducing visibility during early morning commutes in Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland.
The IMD forecasts a significant easing of weather activity across India after November 25, with the intensifying depression over the Bay of Bengal expected to weaken gradually. This should provide a more stable travel window toward the end of the month for those planning visits to affected regions.
