IMD monitoring weather patterns for possible cyclone next week

Bhubaneswar, Oct 19: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is monitoring the potential development of a cyclone over the Bay of Bengal next week, according to DG Dr. Mrutyunjaya Mohapatra. He stated on Saturday that more definitive information will be available after a low-pressure area is formed around October 21.

"We cannot yet predict if this system will evolve into a cyclonic storm. October is often associated with cyclones, and some weather models suggest a chance of cyclogenesis. However, we assess multiple models before providing forecasts on the storm's path and intensity, and currently, there is no agreement among them as the low-pressure area has not yet developed," he explained.

Dr. Mohapatra also noted that while it is premature to make cyclone predictions, the system may affect the coastal regions of North Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, and Bangladesh. Coastal conditions are expected to worsen from October 22 to 25, with heavy rainfall anticipated in Odisha from October 23 to 25.

As the low-pressure area is expected to form over the Eastcentral Bay of Bengal and adjacent north Andaman Sea, it may shift northwest and strengthen into a depression around October 23. The IMD has warned of squally weather with wind speeds reaching up to 45 km/h, gusting to 55 km/h, over the Eastcentral and Southeast Bay of Bengal on October 21-22. Fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into the sea during this period.