Cyclone threat looms large as low pressure forms over Bay of Bengal; will Odisha be impacted?

Cyclone fear is mounting as a low-pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal, raising concerns that Odisha could face a cyclonic storm by the end of October. According to meteorologists, the system is expected to intensify within the next 24 hours, potentially bringing heavy rainfall to coastal and southern parts of the state.

As per the IMD, the low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal slowly moved west-northwestwards during the past three hours. It is likely to move west-northwestwards, intensify into a depression over the southeast and adjoining central Bay of Bengal by October 25 and further into a deep depression by October 26 and into a cyclonic storm over southwest & adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal by October 27 morning.

Meteorologist Sarat Sahu has stated that the low-pressure area is likely to become more concentrated and could intensify into a cyclone. 

“The system over the Bay of Bengal may intensify into a marginal cyclone if conditions remain favourable. The intensity of rainfall will increase from the night of October 27 and the morning of October 28, particularly in the south-western pockets. Later, interior and western Odisha are likely to experience rainfall activity, while coastal Odisha may witness moderate rain,” Sahu said.

IMD scientist Umashankar Das has also highlighted the potential risk, warning that residents and authorities need to remain alert.

ସମ୍ଭାବ୍ୟ ବାତ୍ୟାର ଗତିପଥ ଏବଂ ଜଡିତ ପବନ ର ବେଗ pic.twitter.com/UGDYu1hYEj

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The timing of this system is critical. Late October provides ideal conditions for low-pressure systems to strengthen. With the southwest monsoon winds having receded and the northeast monsoon gaining momentum, warm sea surface temperatures combined with cooler land masses create a perfect environment for intensification. This natural combination energises the low-pressure area, potentially intensifying into a cyclone.

Forecast models from the American GFS and European ECMWF have both indicated similar paths for the system, suggesting that it could intensify further.

Will Odisha Be Affected? 

While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has not yet issued a definitive advisory, meteorologists continue to monitor the system closely. The exact impact on Odisha remains uncertain, but the potential for heavy rainfall and strong winds cannot be ruled out.

Residents are also reminded of the devastating 1999 super cyclone, which caused massive destruction across Odisha. Memories of that catastrophe are still vivid, adding to the current anxiety. 

Questions remain whether the low-pressure system could reach Odisha around October 28–29 and whether it will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm.

Also Read: Low pressure forms over Bay of Bengal, to intensify in 24 hours; IMD issues yellow alert for 11 Odisha districts

Meteorologists stress that while smaller cyclones may not cause widespread destruction, they can still bring intense localized rainfall, flooding, and disruption to life and property. 

With October not yet over, the low-pressure area continues to pose a potential threat. The coming days will be critical in determining whether Odisha will face a minor cyclonic disturbance or a stronger storm reminiscent of past disasters, including the super cyclone of 1999.