The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that a cyclonic circulation has developed over the Andaman Sea, which is expected to intensify into a low-pressure area by Monday.
This system is likely to affect the coastal regions of north Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, and Bangladesh in the coming week, according to an IMD bulletin.
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The low-pressure area is forecast to form over the Bay of Bengal and the adjoining north Andaman Sea on October 21. It is expected to move northwestward and strengthen into a depression by October 23.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjaya Mohapatra mentioned that while some international models have suggested the possibility of cyclone formation this month, the IMD has not confirmed this development. “A clearer picture will emerge once the low-pressure area forms,” Mohapatra added.
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Although no official cyclone forecast has been made, the system is expected to influence coastal areas in North Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, and Bangladesh. Sea conditions along these coasts are expected to be rough between October 22 and 25, with heavy rainfall likely in Odisha from October 23 to 25.
Fishermen have been advised to return to shore by October 21, as squally weather with wind speeds of 35-45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph, is predicted over the east-central and southeast Bay of Bengal on October 21-22.
The IMD has also predicted thunderstorms with lightning in isolated areas of Odisha, including Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati districts on Sunday. Light to moderate rain is expected in parts of southern and coastal Odisha, while dry conditions are anticipated in northern interior Odisha.