A low-pressure system over the southwest Arabian Sea could turn into a depression within 24 hours, the IMD said on October 19, 2026. Satellite images showed cloud formations, but the system is moving towards the Somalia coast. It will not affect India, though winds got stronger over the sea.

An Arabian Sea low-pressure system could intensify into a depression within 24 hours. Its projected track towards Somalia makes an impact on India unlikely.

A weather system over the southwest Arabian Sea is showing signs of intensification, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting that it could strengthen into a depression within the next 24 hours.

The well-marked low-pressure area persisted over the southwest Arabian Sea at 5:30 am IST on October 19, 2026, after moving slowly eastwards, the IMD said.

The system is expected to move east-northeastwards initially before gradually recurving northwestwards towards the Somalia coast over the next two to three days.

However, the weather system is not expected to affect India, according to the IMD.

Satellite imagery from INSAT-3DS shows extensive cloud formations over parts of the Arabian Sea and the adjoining equatorial region, while a swirling pattern is visible over the southwest Arabian Sea.

Such imagery helps meteorologists track cloud development and monitor evolving weather systems over the ocean.

WINDS TO STRENGTHEN OVER ARABIAN SEA

The IMD has warned of squally weather over the southwest Arabian Sea, with wind speeds of 35-45 kilometres per hour, gusting to 55 kmph, expected during the next 12 hours.

Conditions are forecast to become rougher from the evening of October 19. Winds reaching 40-50 kmph, with gusts up to 60 kmph, are likely over the southwest Arabian Sea and along and off the north Somalia coast and Socotra Islands until October 23.

The sea is also expected to remain rough to very rough across these areas through October 23, potentially making conditions difficult for fishing vessels and other maritime operations.

WILL THE SYSTEM BRING RAIN TO INDIA?

Despite the possibility of intensification, the IMD has indicated that the system is unlikely to have an impact on the Indian region. Its projected movement towards the Somalia coast means the immediate weather concerns are concentrated over the southwest Arabian Sea and adjoining waters.

A low-pressure area forms when atmospheric pressure falls over a region, encouraging air to converge and rise. If the system strengthens sufficiently, it can develop into a depression, with stronger winds and more organised cloud bands.

The coming 24 hours will be crucial in determining whether the system intensifies as forecast. Meteorologists will continue monitoring its movement, wind speeds and cloud structure as it tracks across the Arabian Sea.