New Delhi, 15 November (H.S.): Weather conditions across India are set to undergo several significant changes, with cold weather and fog intensifying in northern parts of the country, while a developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to strengthen into a cyclonic storm. The system is likely to trigger heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across several states in southern and eastern India.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for heavy rainfall, strong winds and thunderstorms in various parts of the country. According to the IMD, a well-marked low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression over the southeast and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal. It is likely to strengthen further into a cyclonic storm over the central parts of the south and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal on Monday. The system is subsequently expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal on Tuesday.

The weather system is forecast to continue moving north-northwestwards towards the Andhra Pradesh coast over the following two days.

Under its influence, strong winds are likely to affect coastal areas, while rough sea conditions and heavy rainfall are expected in several coastal districts. The IMD has advised caution in the affected states in view of the anticipated adverse sea conditions and strong winds accompanying the rainfall.

In the national capital, Delhi, and adjoining areas, the chill is becoming increasingly noticeable during the morning and night. According to the weather department's forecast, mist and shallow fog are likely at most places during the morning hours on November 16 and 17, with moderate fog possible in a few areas. The maximum temperature is expected to remain between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to range from 13 to 16 degrees Celsius.

Fog conditions may intensify further on November 18, with moderate fog likely in some areas. The minimum temperature is expected to decline to between 12 and 14 degrees Celsius, bringing a further drop in temperatures during the morning and night.

Heavy Rainfall Alert across Several Southern States

In view of the potential impact of the cyclonic system, rainfall alerts have been issued for several states in southern India. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places on November 19 and 20, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall also possible.

Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall at several places on November 18 and 19. Strong winds with speeds of 40 to 60 kmph may also prevail during this period.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are likely to witness fairly widespread to widespread rainfall between November 16 and 19, accompanied by strong winds.

Odisha, West Bengal and Jharkhand Also on Alert

The cyclonic system is also expected to influence weather conditions across eastern India. The IMD has issued a warning of very heavy rainfall in Odisha between November 19 and 21. Coastal areas of the state may experience strong winds, with the possibility of thunderstorms and squally weather.

Gangetic West Bengal is likely to receive heavy rainfall on November 19 and 20, while isolated heavy rainfall is expected in Jharkhand on November 20 and 21.

Heavy Rain Forecast for Parts of the Northeast

In the northeastern region, heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for Mizoram and Tripura on November 19. Isolated light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is also likely in Nagaland, Manipur and Assam.

Rainfall Likely in Parts of Central India

Weather conditions may also change across parts of central India. Rainfall is likely in parts of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha between November 19 and 21. Isolated heavy rainfall is forecast in Chhattisgarh on November 20 and 21.

According to the weather department's forecast, the cyclonic system developing over the Bay of Bengal could significantly influence weather conditions across southern and eastern India over the next few days. People in coastal regions and areas likely to receive heavy rainfall have been advised to remain alert and follow official weather advisories.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar