Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 04 September 2023
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are bracing for a bout of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds as meteorological authorities issue a weather warning for the region. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), a series of weather disturbances are expected to affect the archipelago from September 4 to September 7, 2023.
September 4: Heavy to very heavy rain, ranging from 7 to 20 centimetres, is highly likely to occur in one or two places over the Andaman Islands. Additionally, heavy rainfall, measuring between 7 and 11 centimetres, is expected in select areas of the Nicobar Islands. Residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands should be prepared for thunderstorms and lightning, accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour.
September 5: The rain is expected to continue on September 5, with one or two places in the Andaman Islands experiencing heavy downpours of 7 to 11 centimetres. Thunderstorms and lightning, coupled with gusty winds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour, are also anticipated in some areas of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
September 6 & 7: The weather conditions are expected to persist on September 6, and Wednesday, September 7, with thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by gusty winds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour likely to occur in one or two places over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
These weather warnings come as a result of the prevailing strong Southwest Monsoon current in the region. Authorities have issued a cautionary advisory to fishermen, urging them not to venture out to sea until September 7, 2023, due to anticipated wind speeds exceeding 45 kilometres per hour.
For further information or assistance, residents are encouraged to contact the helpline of the State Emergency Operation Centre at Helpline No. 1070 or the District Emergency Operation Centre at Helpline No. 1077. In case of emergencies or the need for assistance at sea, the Coast Guard SAR Agency can be reached at Toll-Free number 1554.
Residents and visitors to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are urged to stay updated on the latest weather developments and exercise caution during this period of adverse weather conditions.