Coastal Andhra Pradesh has been placed on alert as Cyclonic Storm Ditwah is expected to bring intensified rainfall and strong winds over the next six days. Vizag Cyclone Warning Centre Officer Jagannath Kumar issued the advisory on Thursday, warning that both northern and southern coastal districts will experience varying phases of isolated to widespread rain along with thunderstorms.
Kumar cautioned that fishermen should avoid venturing into the sea due to strengthening squally winds that are expected to intensify as the system progresses.
“Under this system, light to moderate rainfall is likely over coastal districts. The spatial distribution of rainfall will increase over the next six days, especially across north coastal Andhra Pradesh,” he told ANI.
He outlined a day-by-day forecast for north coastal Andhra Pradesh, noting that day one will remain dry. Isolated rainfall is expected on day two, followed by scattered showers on day three. Fairly widespread rainfall is forecast for days four, five, and six, before reducing to scattered showers on day seven.
For south coastal Andhra Pradesh, Kumar said isolated showers are expected on day one, expanding to scattered rainfall on day two. Rainfall is likely to become widespread on days three, four, and five, before decreasing in intensity. Fairly widespread rainfall is expected on day six, reducing to scattered showers on day seven.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely across coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema from day two through day five.
“Squally weather with wind speeds of 35–45 kmph is likely along and off the south Andhra Pradesh coast on the first day. Thereafter, wind speeds will increase along and off the coast. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea,” Kumar added.
Authorities have reiterated warnings for fishermen to stay away from the coastline until conditions improve.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday that cold wave conditions are expected in parts of Punjab. IMD Scientist Naresh Kumar noted that a western disturbance over central Pakistan and adjoining areas is creating a cyclone-like situation over southwest Rajasthan, though no major weather changes are expected in northwest India.
“In northwest India, the temperature has risen by over two degrees in the last two days. No significant rainfall or snowfall is expected over the Himalayan region for the next seven days, though light rain may occur in Rajasthan over the next two days,” he told ANI.
For southern India, IMD officials said that a slight depression over the Bay of Bengal is likely to bring rainfall to Tamil Nadu and Kerala. A red alert has been issued for November 28 and 29.
IMD defines heavy rain as rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm, very heavy rain as rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm, and extremely heavy rain as rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm.
(With ANI inputs)