The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for a potential cyclone forming in the Bay of Bengal. An upper air cyclonic circulation is expected to develop over the South Andaman Sea on November 21, intensify into a low-pressure area by November 23, and possibly evolve into a depression by November 24.
The system, currently causing intense convection in parts of the southwest Bay of Bengal, Palk Strait, and Gulf of Mannar, is predicted to move west-northwestward. Models indicate differing intensities, ranging from a low-pressure area to a deep depression. If it strengthens into a cyclone, it will be named Fengal, as suggested by Saudi Arabia.
Meteorological models suggest the system could head towards the Sri Lanka-South Tamil Nadu coast. However, it is likely to weaken before making landfall. The IMD’s bulletin issued on November 21 confirmed the formation of an upper air cyclonic circulation over the Equatorial Indian Ocean off Sumatra’s coast, with the likelihood of a low-pressure area forming by November 23.
This development comes shortly after Cyclone Dana, which hit Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park on October 25, 2024, bringing severe winds and heavy rainfall to the region.
The IMD advises caution for regions along the southeastern coastline and urges residents to stay updated on weather advisories.
