A depression formed over the southeast and east-central Bay of Bengal on October 23 and has rapidly intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area, triggering an extensive severe weather alert for the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin, the system is projected to escalate into a depression by evening, transforming into a deep depression by the morning of October 25. It is slated to officially gather strength as a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 26. Moving in a west-northwestward direction, the system is anticipated to near the Andhra Pradesh coast by October 28.
Expert Insights and Path Projections
Renowned weather expert Sarat Sahu and Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre Director Manorama Mohanty have shared detailed analyses regarding the cyclonic formation. Sahu noted that October cyclonic activities are typical due to warm sea-surface temperatures and atmospheric instability during the monsoon withdrawal. While the system’s landfall is anticipated primarily along the Andhra Pradesh coast near the border, its extensive reach will deeply impact southern and coastal Odisha districts.
Director Manorama Mohanty emphasised that districts like Ganjam, Gajapati, and Puri will experience heavy to very heavy downpours, with isolated places facing extremely heavy rainfall. Furthermore, severe weather conditions with heavy rains are forecast to extend across Mayurbhanj, Kendujhar, Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Kataka, Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, Nayagada, Kandhamala, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur between October 27 and 29.
Advisory and Precautions
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Wind and Sea Conditions: Winds are expected to speed up to 50–60 km/h, occasionally reaching 60 km/h. The sea will remain rough to very rough from October 27 to 28.
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Fishermen Warning: Fishermen are strictly advised not to venture into the deep sea along and off the Andhra-Odisha coasts during this period.
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Temperature Trends: Temperatures are expected to remain stable for the next few days before experiencing a drop of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius subsequently.
State authorities have ramped up precautionary measures, urging residents in vulnerable coastal and southern pockets to stay alert and strictly adhere to government safety guidelines.
