IMD predicts a new low pressure over the Bay of Bengal this week, likely to intensify into a depression or storm with expected rainfall in Odisha
OdishaPlus Bureau
A new low pressure system is anticipated to develop over the Bay of Bengal later this week, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday.
The system is projected to form around Saturday and has a chance of strengthening into a tropical storm, which is an unusual occurrence for this time of year.
According to the national weather forecaster, the low pressure area is expected to emerge over the south-east Bay of Bengal around Saturday (November 22). It is then predicted to move in a west-northwest direction and evolve into a depression over the central regions of the south Bay of Bengal by November 24, subsequently intensifying over the next 48 hours.
Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre, stated, “We are closely monitoring the expected weather system. Its intensity and trajectory will be determined once the low pressure area develops.”
The period of September to October is a crucial cyclone season for the nation, especially during the post-monsoon phase. Historically, the Bay of Bengal has been the origin of some of the most powerful cyclones, including the super cyclone of 1999 in October that caused widespread devastation in Odisha, the extremely severe cyclone Hudhud in October 2014, and the severe cyclone Dana in October 2024. However, storms in November are rare, although events like Bulbul (November 2019) and Jawad (December 2021) have occurred during the post-cyclone season.
Sarat Sahu, Director of the Centre for Environment and Climate (CEC), remarked, “Initial forecasts based on models suggest that the low pressure may develop into a deep depression or a cyclonic storm by November 26. It could make landfall near Machilipatnam on the south Andhra Pradesh coast on the night of November 27 or the following day.”
Nevertheless, the system is expected to weaken as it crosses the coastline. Due to its influence, widespread rainfall is anticipated in south Odisha, with heavy showers likely in the southern coastal districts from November 26 to 28, he added.
As the system continues to brew, the cold wave affecting Odisha has diminished, and the minimum night temperature has begun to increase as well. According to the IMD, the minimum night temperature is anticipated to rise by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius within the next two days. Indeed, tropical storms require a warm sea surface to develop and advance.
On Wednesday morning, Semiliguda reported the lowest temperature at 7.1 degrees Celsius. The night temperature has increased in several regions of the state, including Twin City Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, which recorded temperatures of 15.2 degrees Celsius and 14.4 degrees Celsius, respectively.
