In a recent forecast, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that a cyclonic storm is likely to form over the southwest Bay of Bengal around December 3. However, the impact on Odisha has not been indicated. The IMD explained that assessment of the cyclone’s impact could only be made after the formation of a depression in the sea.
IMD scientist Umashankar Dash emphasized that the path and other parameters of the possible cyclone could only be estimated after the formation of the depression, hence no information has been provided on the impact on Odisha or other coastal areas. He also clarified that there are no warnings for the Odisha coast or for fishermen in the region for the next four days.
In a special bulletin, the IMD revealed that a well-marked low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Andaman Sea had moved west-northwestwards and lay over the southeast Bay of Bengal. It is anticipated to intensify into a depression over the next 24 hours. The IMD further projected that December 3, the depression would intensify into a cyclonic storm over southwest Bay of Bengal and then move northwestwards to reach the coasts of north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh December 4.
As a result of the anticipated system, the IMD warned of squally wind speeds reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph over the Southwest Bay of Bengal from December 1 morning, and 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph from December 2 morning.
Overall, the IMD’s forecast has created a sense of anticipation and preparedness for the potential cyclonic storm, although the specific impact on Odisha is yet to be determined.