Low-pressure system intensifies over Bay of Bengal, triggers maritime alerts

A weather system intensified over the Northwest Bay of Bengal early Sunday morning, triggering maritime restrictions and coastal alerts across three eastern states as wind speeds are forecast to touch 60 kmph over the next two days.

The India Meteorological Department confirmed that a low-pressure area consolidated at 5.30 a.m. on August 23, 2026, driven by an active upper-air cyclonic circulation positioned off the West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts. The system is expected to amplify regional atmospheric activity, with squally weather and wind speeds of 40 to 50 kmph—gusting up to 60 kmph—forecast over the Northwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal.

Coastal belt braces for rough seas

West Bengal, adjoining Odisha, and North Andhra Pradesh will bear the brunt of the adverse weather through August 24, with sea conditions deteriorating to rough and very rough states. Officials have warned that maritime sectors will encounter hazardous swells and turbulent waters over the next 48 hours.

The weather bureau responded by imposing a total prohibition for workers at sea, reflecting the severity of the maritime threat. Fishermen have been strongly advised to avoid venturing into the Northwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, and to stay away from waters along and off the coasts of West Bengal, Odisha, and North Andhra Pradesh until August 24.

Authorities on standby

Port authorities and disaster management cells along the eastern coastline have been placed on alert as meteorological agencies continue close monitoring of the system. The India Meteorological Department issued comprehensive wind and sea state warnings for eastern and east-central coastal regions in response to the expected intensification of regional atmospheric activity.

The advisory underscores the immediate risk to fishing communities and coastal operations, with the prohibition remaining in force until the weather system weakens or moves away from the affected coastline.

Source: The Hindu