If you live on the west coast of India or plan a trip on the Arabian Sea, you need to know what the sky and water are doing today. The sea is currently under a mixed pattern – a gentle breeze of 5‑10 km/h, partly cloudy skies and sea temperatures hovering around 28‑29°C. It’s comfortable for a morning swim, but clouds could thicken by late afternoon, especially near the Gulf of Kutch.
Why does this matter? The Arabian Sea is the gateway for the southwest monsoon that brings heavy rain to Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa. When the monsoon kicks in, wind speeds can jump to 20‑30 km/h, waves rise to 1‑2 meters, and fog becomes common along the coast. Knowing the timing helps fishermen set safe departure windows and sailors avoid nasty squalls.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), a low‑pressure system is moving eastward across the Arabian Sea. Expect intermittent showers on the western coast of Maharashtra and parts of Karnataka from Thursday to Saturday. Rainfall totals could reach 30‑50 mm in coastal districts, and humidity will stay above 80%.
For those planning beach outings, the best window is early morning on Thursday before the showers arrive. After the rain, the sea often calms, but watch for lingering rip currents—especially near river mouths like the Sharavathi and Kali.
Fishing: Early‑morning trips (5‑7 am) give you the calmest waters and the most active fish. Keep an eye on the wind forecast; once it hits 15 km/h, smaller boats should stay in harbor.
Sailing & Boating: Warm water makes engines run efficiently, but sudden squalls can appear quickly. If the sky turns dark and wind gusts exceed 20 km/h, head to the nearest safe anchorage and wait it out.
Coastal Safety: Flooding is rare during the monsoon, but low‑lying areas can see waterlogging after heavy downpours. Keep emergency kits ready—flashlight, dry clothes and a fully charged phone.
And a quick heads‑up: sea surface temperature (SST) is a key factor for algae blooms. When SST tops 30°C for several days, you might notice a slight discoloration near the shore. It’s usually harmless, but avoid swimming if the water looks murky.
Overall, staying updated with the IMD’s hourly bulletins and using a reliable marine weather app will keep you one step ahead. The Arabian Sea may look calm, but the monsoon can change the scene fast. Plan ahead, respect the wind, and enjoy the beautiful coast safely.