A fresh weather system has emerged over the Bay of Bengal, sparking concerns of a potential cyclone along India’s eastern coast.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a low-pressure area has formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal and is currently moving in a north-westward direction. The system is expected to become more marked within the next 24 hours before concentrating into a depression by November 15.
In its extended-range outlook, the IMD noted a strong consensus among global weather models that the system will intensify further into a cyclonic storm—which, if realised, would be the third cyclone of the current northeast monsoon season. However, meteorologists remain divided on the system’s exact trajectory and point of landfall. Consequently, the IMD has refrained from issuing specific warnings regarding its path or coastal impact, stating that a definitive picture will only emerge once the system organises into a depression.
Despite the brewing system at sea, the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre has forecast predominantly dry weather across Odisha for the next seven days.
Independent weather experts, however, advise caution, suggesting that Odisha could experience a noticeable shift in weather conditions starting November 17–18. Noted weather scientist Dr Sarat Chandra Sahu indicated that the system is likely to strengthen into a depression or deep depression, with a high probability of escalating into a cyclone.
According to Dr Sahu’s assessment, the storm could cross the coast between Kavali and Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh on the night of November 19 or the morning of November 20. Should the system follow this trajectory, coastal Odisha districts—including Ganjam, Gajapati, and Puri—are expected to receive light to moderate rain around November 17 and 18.
The impact is projected to intensify between November 19 and 21, with southern Odisha districts such as Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Rayagada, and Gajapati likely to experience widespread rainfall, including isolated heavy downpours. Authorities and residents are advised to stay updated with official bulletins as clearer data becomes available over the weekend.
