Cyclone over Bay of Bengal: Odisha on alert, informs Minister as weather experts sound alarm

A developing low-pressure system over the southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area and is expected to further strengthen into a depression by tomorrow, according to preliminary assessments.

Forecasts indicate that the system may move northwestwards over the next 48 hours and could turn into a cyclone as it approaches the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining South Andaman Sea, though its track and landfall remain uncertain.

System Intensifying Near Andaman Region

Meteorological models show the weather system consolidating near the South Andaman Sea by November 25. Weather scientist Sandeep Patnaik stated that favourable conditions across the Malacca Strait and the southeast Bay of Bengal may allow the system to cross the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) phase and gain strength.

“The system may show signs of intensification as strong wind currents are blowing in from the Pacific Ocean, with the wide surface area of the sea making conditions conducive. The cold winds have receded, and thus, this system has strong chances of intensifying further,” he said.

Patnaik noted that strong wind inflow from the Pacific Ocean, combined with a wide sea surface area and the absence of cold wind intrusion, makes further intensification highly likely.

He added that the system may last from November 21 to December 2 or 3, with intensification between November 26 and 30 being particularly critical. During this period, the cyclone may strengthen over the southwestern Bay of Bengal, near Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts.

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Wind Speeds May Peak At 100 Km/H

Although the exact movement of the potential cyclone has not been confirmed, models indicate a sharp increase in wind speed over the sea.

From the evening of November 25, winds over the southeast Bay of Bengal may reach 50–60 km/h, increasing to 60–70 km/h (up to 80 km/h) on November 26, and potentially touching 100 km/h by the morning of November 27.

Despite these projections, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has not issued an official bulletin on the cyclone track or landfall. Patnaik said the system may impact Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, and its effects may extend to Odisha, especially if two existing circulations merge over the Andaman Sea.

Odisha Government Says “Fully Prepared”

Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari confirmed that the system is currently around 1,000 km from the mainland, and stressed that the state is on alert. He stated that the administration is prepared to mitigate the impact if the intensifying system shifts towards Odisha’s coastline.

"Two low-pressure systems have formed, with another circulation over the Andaman Sea. There's a possibility that both these systems will combine and move westwards towards the coast…To mitigate any impact on the state, the government is prepared, and all departments are on alert,” said the Minister.