Cyclone threat ahead? IMD predicts depression over Bay of Bengal by November 15

New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a fresh weather system developing over the Bay of Bengal with the low-pressure area likely to strengthen into a depression by November 15. The system could also bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of the eastern coast.

The low-pressure area formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal at 5:30 am on Friday under the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the central Andaman Sea and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

According to the IMD, the system is likely to move northwestwards and gradually gain strength. It is expected to become a depression by November 15 as it moves over the Bay of Bengal.

Strong winds expected over Bay of Bengal

The weather department has forecast strong winds over the Andaman Sea and parts of the Bay of Bengal in the coming days. Winds of around 50 kmph with gusts reaching 60 kmph are likely over the Andaman Sea on November 13 and 14 and over the southeast Bay of Bengal up to November 16.

Wind speeds could later reach around 55 kmph with gusts of up to 65 kmph over the southwest Bay of Bengal and parts of the central Bay of Bengal until November 17. The developing system has also prompted Odisha authorities to step up preparations, particularly in coastal and southern districts.

Odisha districts put on alert

Odisha Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said district collectors in northern, southern and coastal areas had been asked to remain prepared and monitor the latest weather updates.

“Though the IMD has not made any prediction, we have already taken precautionary measures and informed the district collectors of northern, southern and coastal regions to remain prepared and vigilant about the system brewing in the sea,” Pujari told mediapersons.

Pujari is also scheduled to hold a review meeting with senior officials to assess the situation, PTI reported.

Yellow alert issued

The Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain in parts of Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur until November 19. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are likely in several districts including Balasore, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Gajapati, Jajpur, Cuttack, Ganjam, Puri, Khurda and Nayagarh.

Heavy rainfall is also expected in Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam and Puri until November 20 with the region under a yellow alert.