Is a Low-Pressure System Brewing in the Arabian Sea?

Synopsis
A low-pressure area is forming in the Arabian Sea, raising concerns for fishermen. The IMD warns of dangerous weather conditions, advising against sea ventures until May 26. The situation calls for heightened awareness and precautions to ensure safety at sea.
Key Takeaways
- Low-pressure area developing in the Arabian Sea.
- Fishermen advised to stay ashore until May 26.
- Wind speeds could reach 65 kmph in South Gujarat.
- Rough sea conditions expected along coastal areas.
- Precautions for shipping and tourism recommended.
Ahmedabad, May 22 (NationPress) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported the formation of a low-pressure area over the Eastcentral Arabian Sea, specifically off the southern Konkan and Goa coasts. This system is anticipated to strengthen into a depression within the next 36 hours.
In light of the developing weather conditions, fishermen along the North and South Gujarat coasts have been firmly cautioned against going out to sea until May 26.
The IMD's forecast predicts squally weather with wind speeds between 40 to 60 kmph along the North Gujarat coast from May 24 to 26. The ports affected include Jakhau, Mandvi, Mundra, New Kandla, Navlakhi, Jamnagar, Salaya, Okha, and Porbandar.
Additionally, the South Gujarat coast, which encompasses Muldwarka, Veraval, Diu, Jafrabad, Pipavav, Bhavnagar, Alang, Bharuch, Dahej, Magdalla, and Daman, is already facing unstable weather conditions. Wind speeds in this area could reach up to 65 kmph by May 26, with the sea growing increasingly perilous.
The IMD also forecasts light to moderate rainfall, with isolated heavy showers, across parts of South Gujarat from May 23 to 27. Sea conditions throughout the Eastcentral Arabian Sea and along the coasts of Konkan, Goa, and South Gujarat are expected to remain rough to very rough during this duration.
According to the IMD bulletin, "Sea conditions are likely to be rough until the night of May 23... transitioning to rough to very rough from May 24 to 27."
Fishermen currently out at sea are urged to return to shore by the afternoon of May 23, while fishing activities in the Eastcentral and adjacent Northeast Arabian Sea will be halted from May 25 to 27.
The IMD has also recommended regulating shipping, tourism, and recreational activities in the area until the weather stabilizes. The state features 280 marine fishing villages and 107 fish landing centers, with the greatest concentration of fishing families located in Gir Somnath and Valsad districts.
Gujarat's fishing fleet consists of around 36,980 registered boats, incorporating mechanized vessels such as trawlers and gillnetters, alongside non-mechanized crafts.