Coastal regions are on alert as a well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal threatens to develop into a severe cyclonic storm. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is expected to concentrate into a depression by Sunday, intensify into a cyclonic storm on November 16, and potentially escalate into a severe cyclonic storm over the sea by November 18. Concurrently, northern parts of the country are under the influence of a fresh Western Disturbance.
While the exact landfall location remains uncertain, the vast cloud mass and strong wind field are forecast to trigger widespread adverse weather. Gangetic West Bengal is forecast to receive isolated heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds reaching 40 to 50 kmph, with gusts up to 60 kmph, on November 19 and 20. North Coastal Andhra Pradesh is expected to witness isolated heavy downpours on November 18 and 20, with isolated very heavy rain and thundersqualls gusting up to 70 kmph on November 19. Meanwhile, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands face isolated heavy showers and squally weather through November 17.
For Odisha, this poses the threat of a third cyclone within three weeks, prompting the state administration to place district collectors on high alert. The Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has forecast isolated heavy downpours of 7 to 11 cm on November 18, followed by very heavy rain of 12 to 20 cm in select districts on November 19 and 20. Emphasising the need for readiness after late last month's floods triggered by Cyclone Arnab, Odisha Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari noted:
"We do not know whether the impending cyclone will hit the Odisha coast. But we need to remain prepared, keeping in view the impact of Cyclone Arnab."
