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DHAKA: A strong cyclonic circulation that formed over the northern Andaman Sea and adjoining areas near the Thailand coast is gradually becoming more organized.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the system could intensify into a low-pressure area by Saturday (Sept 19) evening and may strengthen further. If conditions remain favorable, the low could eventually develop into a severe cyclonic storm, weather experts said.
The potential cyclone has been named ‘Arnab,’ a name proposed by Bangladesh. The Met Office said the system could intensify into a deep depression around Sept 21 or 22 and may subsequently move toward the coasts of India’s Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
According to India’s Meteorological Department, the system could bring heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds to coastal Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and parts of West Bengal. Several districts in West Bengal are already under a yellow alert, with gusty winds of 30–40 kmph and thunderstorms forecast through Saturday.
Yellow alerts for isolated heavy rain also remain in effect in parts of northern West Bengal.
The weather office said unstable conditions could persist in coastal and adjoining areas under the influence of the Bay of Bengal system and the monsoon trough. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have advised precautionary measures until further notice.
