Waters surrounding the Maldives are expected to face strong winds and moderate to rough seas over the next three days, as a series of powerful weather systems intensify across the Bay of Bengal and eastern Indian Ocean, according to the latest All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department.
Maldives-adjacent seas to experience squally weather
The bulletin forecasts 35 to 45 kmph winds, gusting to 55 kmph, over the Southeast Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep region and adjoining Maldives area from 25 to 27 November. These conditions may affect inter-island travel, small vessels, and fishing operations across central and southern atolls.
Mariners are advised to anticipate sudden surges in wind strength as the weather systems continue to evolve.
Sea conditions turning rough across the region
Sea conditions near the Maldives are forecast to be moderate to rough, particularly during peak wind periods. Rougher seas are expected across the Comorin area, Gulf of Mannar, and Bay of Bengal, which could indirectly influence swells reaching the Maldives.
Authorities urge boat operators and fishermen to remain vigilant and plan travel with caution.
Fishermen advised to avoid high-risk maritime zones
The IMD specifically warns fishermen to avoid venturing into multiple nearby danger zones, including:
- Lakshadweep, Maldives area and Kerala coast from 25 to 27 November
- Southwest Bay of Bengal, Comorin area, Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka coasts till 30 November
- Southeast Bay of Bengal and South Andaman Sea where winds will peak at 50 to 60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph
Vessels already at sea are advised to return to safe harbor as conditions worsen.
Heavy rainfall across southern India and Andaman region
While the Maldives is not expected to receive heavy rainfall from this system, significant activity is building around the region:
- Very heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal from 28 to 30 November
- Very heavy rainfall in Andaman and Nicobar Islands on 26 and 27 November
- Heavy rainfall in Kerala & Mahe on 25 and 26 November, and in Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema on 30 November
These rainfall pockets indicate the strength of the systems feeding the wider wind belt affecting the Maldives.
Two key weather systems driving regional turbulence
The bulletin identifies two active systems:
- A depression over the Strait of Malacca, moving west-northwest and likely to intensify into a deep depression within 12 hours.
- A low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal, near Sri Lanka, expected to strengthen into a depression within 24 to 36 hours.
Both systems are contributing to accelerated wind flows and unstable sea conditions across South Asia’s maritime routes.
Thunderstorms and gusty winds in surrounding regions
Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds will affect:
- Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Mahe through 29 November
- Lakshadweep and sea areas near Maldives on 25 November
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands from 25 to 29 November, with thunder squalls up to 60 kmph
Dense fog alerts in northeastern India
Dense fog is expected over isolated pockets of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Odisha, affecting visibility and inland travel there.
Potential impacts include floods, landslides and crop damage
Very heavy rainfall in India’s southern states may cause:
- Localized flooding and road closures
- Urban traffic disruptions
- Landslides in hilly regions
- Damage to plantation crops and horticulture fields
Agricultural advisories issued include strengthening drainage, supporting banana crops, and protecting seedlings with temporary covers.
Outlook for the next 72 hours
Widespread rainfall will continue across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, while the Maldives should expect gusty winds and rough seas as the primary effect of the regional system.