Bhubaneswar: There is no reason to get alarmed over a possible cyclone in the Bay of Bengal at present, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has not yet predicted the formation of any cyclone, said IMD Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.
Speaking in Sambalpur during the inauguration of a Doppler radar, Dr Mohapatra stated that the department is closely monitoring the evolving weather situation.
“The picture will become clearer after September 19. An accurate forecast will be issued well in advance along with necessary warnings. Therefore, there is no need to get scared by cyclone-related rumours,” he said.
According to the IMD chief, a circulation has currently formed near the Thailand coast. It is expected to enter the North Andaman Sea by September 18. By the evening of September 19, the system is likely to concentrate into a low-pressure area over the East-Central Bay of Bengal and the North Andaman Sea. Thereafter, it may move in a north-westward direction towards the North Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha coasts.
Dr. Mohapatra clarified that it is too early to say whether this low-pressure area will intensify into a depression or a cyclone. However, under the influence of the system, heavy rainfall is likely at several places in Odisha.
Meanwhile, several international weather models have indicated favourable conditions for the development of a strong cyclone in the Bay of Bengal by next week. These projections, along with observations from some weather experts, have led to widespread discussion about a possible cyclone along the east coast.
The IMD has assured that it will continue to monitor the system closely and issue timely updates and advisories.
