Image Source: TIMES NOW

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday forecast that a low pressure area has developed in the southeast Bay of Bengal and the same could intensify into a cyclonic storm by the evening of May 16. The low pressure area, to be named 'Amphan' if it develops into a cyclonic storm, is likely to move northwestwards initially till May 17 before recurving north-northeastwards. A low pressure area has formed over southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Andaman Sea, in the morning of today, the 13th May 2020. It is very likely to concentrate into a depression over central parts of south Bay of Bengal on 15th and further intensify into a cyclonic storm over southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal by 16th evening. It is very likely to move northwestwards initially till 17th May and then re-curve north-northeastwards. The weather agency said due to the developing cyclonic storm, adverse weather conditions are likely to be experienced over south and central Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman Sea May 15 onwards. Light to moderate rainfall at most places very likely over Andaman & Nicobar Islands on 15th & 16th May. Andaman Islands are also likely to experience heavy rainfall at a few places on these two days. The IMD has warned of squally winds with speed upto 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, over south and adjoining central Bay of Bengal on May 15. The wind speed is likely to increase to 55-65 kmph, gusting to 75 kmph, by May 16. "Wind speed is likely to increase further becoming gale force winds speed reaching 65-75 kmph gusting to 85 kmph over southwest and adjoining west central Bay of Bengal from the evening of 16th May," it said. The IMD has also issued a warning to fishermen to not venture into the affected region in Bay of Bengal from May 15 and asked those, who are already out at sea, to return to the coast by tomorrow. Sea condition will be rough to very rough over south and adjoining central Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea on 15th May-16th May afternoon and very rough to High over southwest and adjoining west central Bay of Bengal from the evening of 16th May.