Bay of Bengal weather system may strengthen into depression by Sunday: IMD
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised its forecast for a developing weather system over the southeast Bay of Bengal, warning that it could intensify into a depression by Sunday.
The development comes during an active northeast monsoon season, which has already witnessed two powerful cyclones, Arnab and Murasu, affecting the Andhra Pradesh coast.
According to the IMD, a cyclonic circulation over the South Andaman Sea was identified on Wednesday. The system is expected to gradually strengthen and develop into a low-pressure area by Friday.
Meteorologists anticipate that it could become a well-marked low-pressure area on Saturday before intensifying further into a depression the following day.
The system is expected to move initially in a northwesterly direction. However, unlike some previous weather disturbances, it may remain relatively close to its formation region for the first three days, potentially allowing it to gather strength.
Several possible movement paths are being considered. The system could eventually head towards India’s eastern coastline, move northeastwards towards Myanmar or Bangladesh, or take a west-southwesterly route towards Sri Lanka.
At present, weather prediction models have not reached a common conclusion regarding the system’s eventual direction, intensity or possible landfall location.
The IMD is expected to monitor its development closely over the coming days as the northeast monsoon continues to influence weather conditions across the region.