Low pressure likely over South Bay of Bengal; Fishermen advised not to venture into sea till February 20

An upper air cyclonic circulation persisting over the east Equatorial Indian Ocean and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify, with a low-pressure area expected to form over the central parts of the south Bay of Bengal and adjoining Equatorial Indian Ocean within the next 48 hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday.

According to the IMD, the cyclonic circulation, extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level, was observed over the same region at 8:30 am IST on February 15, 2026. Under its influence, weather conditions over the south Bay of Bengal are expected to become increasingly unsettled.

In view of the developing system and likely rough sea conditions, fishermen have been advised not to venture into several parts of the Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas from February 15 to February 20.

On February 15, fishermen are advised to avoid some parts of the southeast and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal, as well as the adjoining east Equatorial Indian Ocean.

On February 16, the warning extends to some parts of the southwest and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal and the adjoining east Equatorial Indian Ocean.

On February 17 and 18, fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into some parts of the southwest Bay of Bengal adjoining the east Equatorial Indian Ocean, particularly along and off the south Sri Lanka coast.

The advisory further covers February 19, when fishermen are urged to avoid some parts of the southwest Bay of Bengal adjoining the east Equatorial Indian Ocean, along and off the south Sri Lanka coast, as well as the Gulf of Mannar and adjoining Comorin area.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and further updates will be issued as the system develops.