The weather system lingering over the Andaman Sea for the last 3 days has intensified into a depression, the 1st of this pre-monsoon season. It is placed at about 11 degrees N and 96 degrees E, which is nearly 400km east northeast of Port Blair and 600km south of Yangon (Myanmar). It is likely to move northeastward towards the Myanmar coast, away from Bay Islands.
As assessed previously, depression though not very well organized, is positioned in a favourable environment for strengthening. Moderate wind shear of 30-40kmh is being offset by warm waters with a temperature of 29-30 degree celsius. In addition to the Bay Islands in the vicinity of system, Arakan Coast is now barely 250km away as a major landmass. Depression therefore may intensify into a deep depression for a brief period in the next 12 hours but the entrainment factor will reduce its strength and preclude its intensification to a cyclonic storm.
The complete range of Bay Islands in the Andaman Sea like Nacowry, Car Nicobar, Port Blair, Long Islands and Maya Bandar has been lashed with moderate to heavy rains along with gusty winds. Sea condition is rough due to squally weather and wave surge. These conditions will last for the next 24hr and ease out later when the system is expected to weaken into a low-pressure area.
