Thiruvananthapuram, 24 Oct (H.S.): A low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining east-central waters is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by Monday morning, October 26, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

The system is expected to strengthen into a depression on Saturday and a deep depression on Sunday while moving west-northwestwards. It could develop into a cyclone over the west-central Bay of Bengal on Monday.

According to the forecast, the storm would be named Arnab, a name proposed by Bangladesh. While Kerala is not expected to face a direct impact, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have been advised to remain vigilant.

Kerala, however, is likely to receive isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall until Monday under the influence of two low-pressure systems. Rain alerts have been issued across all districts through Sunday, with Kozhikode and Wayanad under yellow alerts.

The department has also forecast thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall denotes precipitation ranging from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm within 24 hours.

Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea along the Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts until October 26. Squally weather, with wind speeds of 35–45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, is expected during this period.

Meanwhile, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has warned of coastal inundation associated with the “kallakkadal” swell-surge phenomenon.

Waves measuring 0.8–1.4 metres could affect the Thiruvananthapuram coastline between Kappil and Pozhiyoor until 11.30 pm on Saturday, October 24.

Along the Kanyakumari coast, waves of 0.9–1.4 metres and associated coastal inundation are possible until 5.30 pm on Saturday.

Fishermen and coastal residents have been urged to remain alert as rough conditions and swell waves could affect vulnerable stretches of the shoreline. The advisories cover both fishing restrictions linked to adverse weather and coastal flooding risks associated with the separate swell-surge phenomenon along these coasts.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman