Cyclonic activity likely to intensify over Bay of Bengal, IMD issues Odisha forecast

Two simultaneous weather systems forming over the Bay of Bengal have intensified the possibility of a winter cyclone, as meteorologists track the evolving disturbance that may influence parts of southern Odisha later this week.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that one of the systems is steadily building strength and could transform into a cyclone within the next 72 hours, even as the second system remains under observation.

Information from the IMD received on Monday evening states that the stronger system is gradually consolidating and may soon become a depression. If intensification continues, it is expected to turn into a cyclonic storm while located over the southwest Bay of Bengal.

At this stage, Odisha is unlikely to witness a direct landfall, though the evolving system is expected to alter local weather conditions.

“The system is likely to intensify into a depression in the next 24 hours. In the subsequent 48 hours, it may intensify further into a cyclone. Its location will be the southwest Bay of Bengal,” said Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre.

Even without a direct strike, the IMD has predicted possible light rainfall in southern districts within the next two days. Additionally, cloud cover is expected to increase across several regions after 48 hours, accompanied by a fall in minimum temperatures by 2 to 3°C as northeastern winds strengthen behind the system.

Odisha Ready, Monitoring Twin Weather Events

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Monday assured that Odisha remains fully prepared, with its disaster management units and district administrations kept on alert.

The Minister explained that the two weather systems developing near the South Andaman Sea may eventually merge as they travel over warmer waters, potentially intensifying the threat.

Pujari added that early indicators suggest Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh may face a stronger impact than Odisha if the present track sustains. However, he cautioned that cyclonic paths often shift unexpectedly, citing the example of Cyclone Montha, which was initially projected to affect Malkangiri but barely touched its boundary.

ALSO READ: Cyclone in Bay of Bengal: Weather expert shares details on possible impact and rainfall in Odisha

Wind Speeds Set to Rise

Global weather models indicate that sea winds will gradually strengthen starting Tuesday, with gusts reaching 60–70 km/h and potentially exceeding 80 km/h.

By the morning of November 27, wind speeds may approach 100 km/h, heightening concerns for maritime operations and coastal conditions.