According to IMD, the system is very likely to intensify gradually into a depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal on September 21 and into a deep depression over the west-central Bay of Bengal on September 22.
| Photo Credit: Kommuri Srinivasa
The low-pressure area over the north Andaman Sea and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal has moved west-northwestwards, lying over the region as of 0530 hrs IST on Sunday (September 20, 2026).
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is very likely to intensify gradually into a depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal on September 21 and into a deep depression over the west-central Bay of Bengal on September 22.
Continuing its west-northwestward track, it is projected to reach the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal near the south Odisha-north Andhra Pradesh coasts around the morning of September 23.
This developing weather system arrives as a critical lifeline for Andhra Pradesh, a region that has historically struggled with severe dry spells and persistent rainfall deficiencies across multiple seasons. Over recent years, shifting monsoon patterns, frequent dry phases, and delayed downpours have severely impacted agricultural productivity across North Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema districts.
Major reservoirs and irrigation water bodies had frequently plunged to depleted storage levels during past kharif cycles, leaving farming communities under immense distress. The recurring failure of timely seasonal showers has heavily tested the region’s agrarian framework, making every incoming weather disturbance a matter of intense anxiety and high anticipation for local cultivators.
Severe Weather and Sea State Warnings
Under the influence of the system, adverse weather conditions will escalate sharply across maritime zones. Squally weather with wind speeds reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is very likely over the Andaman Sea and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal on Sunday (September 20, 2026).
Winds are expected to increase to 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph over the east-central and northeast Bay of Bengal on September 21, and further intensify to 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal by September 23 and 24.
Similarly, squally winds reaching 55-65 kmph are likely along and off the south Odisha-north Andhra Pradesh coasts on September 23 and 24, while speeds of 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph will affect the West Bengal and south Andhra Pradesh coasts. Sea conditions will remain rough to very rough across these sectors through September 24.
Fishermen Advisories
Fishermen are advised not to venture into the Andaman Sea until Monday (September 21, 2026).
Entry into the east-central and adjoining northeast Bay of Bengal is restricted from September 20 to 22.
Venturing into the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal, along with the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha-West Bengal coasts, is prohibited from September 22 to 24.
All fishermen currently at sea are asked to return to the coast by the evening of September 21.
Published – September 20, 2026 02:28 pm IST
