VISAKHAPATNAM: A low-pressure area over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Jharkhand and North Odisha is expected to bring light to moderate rainfall across Andhra Pradesh over the next few days, with gusty winds of up to 50 kmph along the coast, prompting weather and disaster management authorities to issue advisories for fishermen and the public.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the low-pressure system, which was earlier over North Odisha, is currently centred over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Jharkhand and North Odisha. The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 5.8 km above mean sea level, and is likely to weaken gradually over the next 24 hours.
PLN Murthy, Scientist-E and Head of Visakhapatnam Meteorological Centre, said light showers are likely over Coastal Andhra Pradesh on Friday and Saturday, with rainfall expected to continue across the region over the next five days.
Gusty surface winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph are likely at isolated places along the coast, and fishermen have been advised not to venture towards the Odisha coast. The IMD has forecast light to moderate rain at a few places over Coastal Andhra and Yanam on Saturday.
APSDMA issues thunderstorm, lightning alert
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely at isolated locations. Similar weather conditions are expected to prevail until July 21. Lower tropospheric southwesterly and westerly winds continue to dominate over Andhra Pradesh.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) also advised people to remain alert in view of the prevailing weather conditions.
APSDMA MD Prakhar Jain noted light to moderate rainfall is likely at isolated places in Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, Krishna, NTR and Guntur districts on Saturday.The authority cautioned that rough sea conditions and high waves are likely along the coast and advised fishermen to exercise caution.