'Depression in Arabian Sea to bring rain with winds in 24 hrs'

NEW DELHI; A depression in the Arabian Sea will bring rainfall along with squally winds in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, Goa and coastal Maharashtra, in the next 24 hours.

According to Cyclone Warning Division ( CWD) of the India Meteorological Department ( IMD), the depression over east central Arabian Sea moved north wards with a speed of 5 km per hour during past 6 hours and lay centred at 5.30 pm at about 400 km west-southwest of Goa and 600 km south-southwest of Mumbai.

It would move north-northwestwards slowly and intensify into a deep depression during next 36 hrs, the division said today.

The CWD, however, said that as of now the depression showed no sign of developing into a cyclone. It will head towards the Gulf countries, but will weaken before it hits the coast.

"Strong wind speed reaching 30-40 kmph gusting to 50 kmph would prevail along and off Konkan, Goa and Karnataka coasts during next 48 hrs and along and off Kerala coast and Lakshadweep area during next 24 hrs. Sea condition would be rough.

"Fishermen are advised not to venture into deep sea along and off Karnataka, Konkan and Goa coasts during next 48 hours and Kerala coast and Lakshadweep area during next 24 hours," the IMD said.