Odisha out of cyclone zone for now; IMD to issue fresh forecast after Oct 21

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has notified that a low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeast Bay of Bengal around October 21, which may later intensify into a depression.

The prediction comes amid renewed weather concerns in Odisha amid rising speculation over possible cyclone formation this October, especially after multiple low pressure systems were witnessed in the past four weeks.

IMD Tracks System Developing Over Bay

According to IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the possible system is expected to move in a north–northwest direction and intensify into a depression within 48 hours of its formation, likely by the morning of October 23.

“There is no forecast for a cyclone or super cyclone as of now,” the IMD DG clarified. “However, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeastern Bay of Bengal around October 21, and later intensify into a depression.”

He added that the system would strengthen further over the south-central Bay of Bengal and continue to move towards the Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coasts.

October’s Cyclone Pattern Under Watch

Meteorologists have noted that October is historically a month of intense cyclonic activity in the Bay of Bengal. 

Satellite observations from the US-based GFS model indicate the possibility of one or two cyclonic systems developing over the region this month, although IMD officials maintain that it is too early to confirm any such event.

IMD DG Mohapatra reiterated that a clearer picture will emerge only after the low-pressure system actually forms. For now, IMD forecasts point to potential heavy rainfall and moderate wind activity over parts of south India as the system progresses toward the coast.

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Odisha On Alert But No Threat Yet

While Odisha remains outside the immediate path of the predicted system, the IMD stated that it is closely monitoring developments due to the state’s history of severe cyclones in October. It said that the next 72 hours would be crucial in determining whether the low-pressure area intensifies further or weakens over the sea.

The IMD DG also said that under the influence of the developing system, strong wind activity and rough sea conditions are expected over the southern Bay of Bengal and northern Andaman Sea.

The weather department has thus advised fishermen not to venture into the sea and urged those already offshore to return to the coast before October 21.