Bay of Bengal weather system moves toward cyclone stage as rain alerts go out

UPDATE - follow-up to Cyclone brewing as low pressure area forms in east-central, Southeast Bay of Bengal | Live: The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority has listed Konaseema, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam and the Rayalaseema districts for rain.

Details

The weather system over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclone and cross the southern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh coast by October 28. The India Meteorological Department states that a low-pressure area over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal persisted at 8.30 a.m. on Friday. This system is expected to turn into a depression on Saturday, a deep depression on Sunday, and a cyclonic storm by Monday morning before moving toward the coasts.

Regional Impact

K. Naga Ratna, Head of the Amaravati Meteorological Centre, stated that the system is likely to cross the coast in the early hours of October 28 and move toward Odisha the next day. Meanwhile, the IMD predicted moderate to heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry until October 26, with heavy downpours expected in Chennai and its neighbourhood on Saturday and Sunday. Heavy rains with lightning and thunder also lashed Tiruchi and other delta districts on Friday evening, slowing down traffic during peak hours.

Context

Tropical cyclones frequently form in the Bay of Bengal during the post-monsoon season, driven by warm sea surface temperatures. Meteorological departments track these low-pressure systems continuously to issue timely warnings and manage coastal safety precautions.