Cyclonic circulation over Andaman Sea likely to intensify into low pressure: IMD

Potential low-pressure system forming in Bay of Bengal may impact coastal areas of North Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Bangladesh.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday (October 19, 2024) said that a cyclonic circulation has formed over Andaman sea which is likely to intensify into a low pressure by October 21.

The low pressure may have an impact on coastal areas of north Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal and Bangladesh next week.

IMD in its evening bulletin said: "The cyclonic circulation is formed over central Andaman sea. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Andaman Sea around October 21. Thereafter, it is likely to move northwestwards and intensify further into a depression around October 23."

Amid speculation on formation of a cyclone in October this year as forecast by certain international models, IMD Director General Mrutyunjaya Mohapatra said that a clearer picture will emerge only after formation of a low-pressure area around October 21.

"The IMD has made no prediction on whether the system will develop into a cyclonic storm. October is known as the month of cyclones and some weather models are indicating probability of cyclogenesis. We provide a forecast on the path and intensification of a system after assessing over 10 weather models but right now there is no consensus among them as a low-pressure area is yet to be formed," Mr. Mohapatra said.

Though it is too early to make a cyclone prediction, Mr. Mohapatra said: "The system is likely to have an impact on coastal areas of North Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal and Bangladesh."

Mr. Mohapatra said that the sea condition will remain rough along and off the coast from October 22 to 25. The coastal region of Odisha is likely to receive heavy rainfall from October 23-25. He suggested the fishermen to return to shore by October 21.