IMD says Bay of Bengal system may become cyclonic storm by October 26; Andhra Pradesh, Odisha on alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that a weather system over the Bay of Bengal is likely to grow into a cyclonic storm early next week, putting the coasts of north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha on alert.

A low-pressure area formed over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal on Friday morning, the department said. It is expected to intensify into a depression on Saturday, October 24, a deep depression on Sunday, and a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of Monday, October 26.

Track and timing

According to the IMD forecast, the system will keep moving west-northwest and strengthening for about two days after it reaches cyclone strength. IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra was quoted by news agency ANI as saying it is expected near the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coast around early October 28. The department had not yet forecast the exact landfall point, time or intensity.

Wind speeds over the sea are forecast to rise steadily, reaching gale force of 70 to 80 km/h, gusting to 90 km/h, over the west-central Bay of Bengal from October 26. Sea conditions are expected to turn high to very high between October 26 and 28.

Fishermen and ports warned

Fishermen have been told not to venture into the east-central and southeast Bay of Bengal until October 25, and into the west-central Bay of Bengal from October 26 to 28. Port, shipping and offshore operators have been asked to review their preparedness and watch for restrictions on weather-sensitive work until October 29.

The IMD has also flagged the possibility of very heavy rain in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha around October 27 and 28, according to ANI's report of the department's updates. In Odisha, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari chaired a preparedness review meeting with senior officials on Friday.

Why it matters

Late-October storms in the Bay of Bengal frequently affect India's east coast, and this one arrives as paddy is being harvested in parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Residents in the region are advised to follow official IMD bulletins and state disaster management instructions, as forecasts for track and strength may change over the coming days.