A cyclonic storm is expected to form over the Bay of Bengal by October 23, impacting the coastal regions of Odisha and West Bengal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This forecast was announced on Sunday.
Formation of Low-Pressure Area
The IMD’s special weather bulletin stated that an upper air cyclonic circulation currently over the Andaman Sea is expected to strengthen into a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal within the next 24 hours.
Expected Path and Intensification
The weather system is predicted to move in a west-northwest direction, intensifying into a depression by the morning of October 22. It is likely to evolve into a cyclonic storm by October 23, over the east-central Bay of Bengal. The system is expected to continue its northwestward movement and reach the northwest Bay of Bengal, near the Odisha-West Bengal coasts, by the morning of October 24.
Heavy Rainfall and Fishermen Advisory
Under the influence of this system, the coastal areas of Odisha and West Bengal are forecasted to experience heavy rainfall between October 23 and October 25. Fishermen have been advised to return to shore by October 21 due to potential hazardous conditions.
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IMD’s Weather Predictions
IMD Director-General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra mentioned that the system could develop into a severe cyclonic storm. Odisha is likely to see heavy to extremely heavy rainfall starting from October 23, with some areas potentially receiving up to 20 cm of rain on October 24-25. In certain locations, this could escalate to 30 cm or even more.
Wind Speed and Sea Conditions
Along the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal, squally winds with speeds reaching 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, are likely to start by the evening of October 23. These winds are expected to intensify to 100-110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph, from the night of October 24 through the morning of October 25. Sea conditions during this period are forecast to be rough.
Rainfall in Other States
Light to moderate rainfall is also predicted for parts of West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh, the bulletin added.
Landfall Forecast Unclear
As of now, the IMD has not provided any specific forecast on the location or intensity of the potential landfall.
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