Fresh satellite imagery has shown a renewed build-up of rain-bearing clouds over the Bay of Bengal and eastern India, indicating that the southwest monsoon remains active despite a brief lull over parts of northwest India. Latest INSAT-3DS thermal infrared images show widespread convective cloud activity extending from the Bay of Bengal into eastern and central India. The cloud system is associated with a well-marked low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas off the West Bengal and north Odisha coasts.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system was observed over the region at 2:30 pm IST on August 16 and is expected to strengthen as it moves northwestwards. The weather agency said the low-pressure area was very likely to concentrate into a depression on August 17. Its development could trigger another significant phase of monsoon activity, with the system expected to carry large amounts of moisture further inland as it progresses.

The developing system is likely to bring widespread rainfall across eastern and central India, with parts of northern India also expected to experience increased rain activity during the coming week. Weather models indicate that the monsoon trough could shift southward again as the system moves inland. Such a shift could revive rainfall over areas that had recently experienced relatively drier conditions, potentially ending the temporary reduction in monsoon activity across some regions.

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The immediate weather impact is expected along the eastern coastline and adjoining areas of the Bay of Bengal. The IMD has forecast squally weather with winds of 40-50 kmph and gusts reaching up to 60 kmph over the northwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal between August 16 and 18. Sea conditions are expected to remain rough to very rough during this period, increasing risks for vessels operating in the affected waters.

In view of the deteriorating sea conditions, the IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the northwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal between August 16 and 18. The advisory also covers waters along and off the coasts of West Bengal, Bangladesh, Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh. Fishermen and coastal communities have been urged to remain alert as the low-pressure system develops and moves inland.

The latest satellite observations and weather forecasts indicate that the 2026 southwest monsoon is not yet nearing an end, with another active spell now developing over the Bay of Bengal. If the system intensifies into a depression as forecast, it could influence rainfall patterns across a broad stretch of eastern, central and northern India. Authorities and residents in potentially affected areas will need to monitor updated forecasts as the system evolves over the coming days.

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