The weather system over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area and is likely to strengthen further into a depression and subsequently a deep depression, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its latest update.
According to the IMD update based on observations at 5.30 am IST on September 21, 2026, the system has moved west-northwestwards and is now positioned over the eastcentral and adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal.
The system is expected to move in the same direction over the next few days, increasing the likelihood of heavy rainfall over Odisha.
Depression likely within 24 hours
The IMD said the well-marked low-pressure area is very likely to intensify into a depression over the westcentral Bay of Bengal during the next 24 hours.
It is then expected to strengthen further into a deep depression over the westcentral and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal during the subsequent 24 hours.
The system is likely to continue its west-northwestward movement thereafter.
System likely to approach Odisha coast on September 23
According to the latest forecast, the deep depression is very likely to reach near the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coasts around the forenoon of September 23.
The development comes amid forecasts of increasing rainfall activity across Odisha. The IMD’s latest Odisha warning indicates extremely heavy rainfall on September 23 and 24, with very heavy rain also forecast for September 22 and 25.
The IMD had also forecast isolated extremely heavy rainfall over south Odisha and north Coastal Andhra Pradesh on September 23 and 24.
Odisha to see intense rainfall activity
The approaching system is expected to bring a significant increase in rainfall activity over Odisha as it moves closer to the coast.
Weather conditions are likely to remain unsettled through the middle of the week, with the possibility of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several areas.
Residents in vulnerable areas are advised to follow official weather warnings and local administration advisories, particularly as the system intensifies and moves closer to the Odisha coast.
Fishermen advised to exercise caution
With the weather system strengthening over the Bay of Bengal, sea conditions are expected to become increasingly rough.
Fishermen and those involved in marine activities should follow the latest warnings issued by the IMD and avoid venturing into the sea during periods covered by official advisories.
The IMD’s latest warning indicates that the system is expected to continue strengthening while moving towards the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coast.
No cyclone forecast at present
While the system is expected to intensify into a deep depression, the current IMD update describes it as a well-marked low-pressure area, with the immediate forecast focused on its development into a depression and then a deep depression.
Any further change in its intensity or track will depend on subsequent IMD updates as the system moves closer to the coast.
