Bhubaneswar: A developing weather system over the southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by the evening of November 16 and may further strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by November 18, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast.
The system, currently active as a well-marked low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal, is expected to concentrate into a depression over the same region within the next 24 hours. It is then likely to move north-northwestwards, gradually gaining strength over the sea.
According to the IMD’s forecast, the system may develop into a cyclonic storm over the south-central Bay of Bengal by the evening of November 16. It could intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm by November 18, with wind speeds reaching 85–95 kmph and gusts up to 105 kmph.
If it develops into a cyclone, it will be named ‘Akvan’.
However, the weather agency has not yet indicated the system’s eventual direction or a possible landfall location. Its subsequent movement and potential impact on the eastern coast are expected to become clearer as the system develops and intensifies.
Weather experts suggest that the system could move towards the Andhra Pradesh coast. A possible northeastward change in its trajectory could bring it towards West Bengal and Bangladesh. The possibility of a direct impact on the Odisha coast is presently considered low, though the situation remains under close observation.
Odisha, however, may experience rainfall from November 18 under the influence of the developing weather system. The IMD has issued a yellow warning in view of the possibility of rain.
Meanwhile, the state government has stepped up its preparedness. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari chaired a high-level meeting on Friday to review the state’s readiness to deal with any eventuality arising from the system.
Coastal districts have been alerted, and the administration is closely monitoring developments. Officials said further precautionary measures would be taken based on subsequent IMD forecasts.
With the system still evolving over the sea, authorities have stressed the need for continued vigilance, particularly along the coastal belt. The likely track, intensity and possible landfall of the system are yet to be established.
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