Andhra Fishermen Warned as Bay of Bengal Low-Pressure System Brings Heavy Rain

The India Meteorological Department's Cyclone Warning Centre in Visakhapatnam has forecast heavy rainfall and squally winds across North Coastal Andhra Pradesh over the next few days. The warning follows the formation of a low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha-West Bengal coasts.

The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 7.6 km above mean sea level and is tilting southwestwards with height. The system is likely to become more marked over the next two to three days, the Centre said in a bulletin issued on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Heavy rainfall has been forecast at isolated places in Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam, Vizianagaram and Alluri Sitharama Raju districts. The warning has been extended to Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli and Eluru districts for Friday. Light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at many places over North Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam through the weekend, with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph at isolated places.

The Centre has advised fishermen against venturing into the sea off the Andhra Pradesh coast. Squally winds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, are expected, easing to 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, over the next four days. Ocean current alerts have also been sounded for stretches of the coast in East Godavari, Guntur, Krishna, Nellore, Prakasam and West Godavari districts. Harbour and marine operations have been advised to exercise caution.

Localised flooding of roads, waterlogging in low-lying areas and disruption to traffic in urban centres are among the likely impacts, the bulletin said. The public has been advised to check for traffic congestion before travel and avoid low-lying and vulnerable structures.

Light rain fell across parts of Andhra Pradesh between 8.30 a.m. and noon on Friday, July 3, 2026, data from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics showed. Gamparai in Peda Bayalu mandal of Alluri Sitharama Raju district recorded the highest, at 3 mm, followed by Naidu Colony in Nellimarla mandal of Vizianagaram district at 2.75 mm and Kilagada in Munchingi Puttu mandal of the same district at 2.5 mm. Elsewhere, readings stayed at 2 mm or below, with Pithapuram and Kovvur at 1.5 mm each and several places in Vizianagaram, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Anakapalli and Eluru districts between 1.25 mm and 0.75 mm.

Residents are advised to stay updated with local weather forecasts and follow safety guidelines issued by authorities.