The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast for a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal to intensify into a cyclone by October 27, but emphasised that it is unlikely to develop into a major storm.
Named ‘Montha’ by Thailand, the system is expected to bring heavy rainfall to Odisha from October 27 to 29, with warnings for fishermen and coastal districts.
According to IMD, the low-pressure area formed on Friday and is currently moving northwest at a slow pace of about 3 km per hour. Bhubaneswar Regional Meteorological Centre Director Manorama Mohanty stated that the system will evolve into a depression by Saturday (October 25), deepen further by October 26, and transform into a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 27 over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal.
Mohanty clarified that the cyclone is expected to be a normal or marginal one, with wind speeds ranging from 70-75 km/h. It is likely to make landfall near the Andhra Pradesh coast on the night of October 27 or early October 28. However, its influence will cause widespread rain in Odisha, particularly heavier in western and interior regions. If the storm impacts Odisha on October 27, it may shift direction to north-northwest, with a clearer picture emerging by October 26.
Coastal areas in Odisha could experience heavy rain and gusty winds. A yellow warning has been issued for coastal and adjoining districts for Saturday, anticipating light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and winds of 30-40 km/h. From October 26 to 29, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea due to rough conditions.
The IMD has warned of heavy rainfall across the state from October 27 to 29, with wind speeds of 60-70 km/h. On October 27, districts such as Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Khordha, Puri, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri are likely to see moderate to heavy rain. On October 28, heavy showers are expected in Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Khordha, Puri, and Ganjam. By October 29, the rain may shift to northern districts including Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, and Jajpur. Weather conditions are expected to improve after October 30.
Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari assured that the Odisha government is fully prepared to handle the situation, urging residents not to panic. “Whether a cyclone forms or not, we are ready,” he said. The health department is on alert with regular reviews, cyclone shelters are prepared, and coordination is underway with relevant departments for potential evacuations. Dry food stocks are available, and the energy department has been instructed to ensure quick power restoration if disruptions occur. District administrations have been directed to remain vigilant, and the disaster management department has initiated preparations based on IMD’s forecasts.
While the cyclone poses no major threat, authorities are monitoring its path closely to minimize impacts on the state.
