Ahmedabad: A low-pressure area has formed over the Eastcentral Arabian Sea off the south Konkan and Goa coasts and is likely to intensify into a depression within the next 36 hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday. In view of the developing weather system, fishermen along both the North and South Gujarat coasts have been advised not to venture into the sea from May 22 to 26.

According to the IMD forecast, squally weather with wind speeds of 40–60 kmph is expected along the North Gujarat coast — including Jakhau, Mandvi, Mundra, New Kandla, Navlakhi, Jamnagar, Salaya, Okha, and Porbandar — from May 24 to 26.

On the South Gujarat coast, areas such as Muldwarka, Veraval, Diu, Jafrabad, Pipavav, Bhavnagar, Alang, Bharuch, Dahej, Magdalla, and Daman are already experiencing squally conditions. Wind speeds are expected to reach up to 65 kmph by May 26. Fishermen in these regions have been strongly advised to avoid venturing into the sea.

The IMD also warned of light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy showers over parts of South Gujarat from May 23 to 27. Sea conditions are expected to be rough to very rough, particularly over the Eastcentral Arabian Sea and along the Konkan, Goa, and South Gujarat coasts.

“Sea condition is likely to be rough till the night of May 23 over the Eastcentral Arabian Sea, along and off the Konkan-Goa and South Gujarat coasts. It will likely become rough to very rough from May 24 to 27,” the IMD bulletin stated.

Fishermen currently at sea are advised to return to the coast by the afternoon of May 23. Fishing operations in the Eastcentral and adjoining northeast Arabian Sea will remain suspended from May 25 to 27. The IMD has also advised strict regulation of shipping, tourism, and recreational activities during this period. DeshGujarat