Andhra Pradesh, Odisha on alert as IMD warns of possible cyclone over Bay of Bengal by October 26

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted "extremely heavy rainfall" across south peninsular India as the Northeast monsoon begins to affect Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, South Interior Karnataka, Kerala and Mahe. An alert has been issued that a low-pressure area in the south Bay of Bengal is set to develop into a cyclonic storm by October 26.

This system is predicted to travel westward and northward, making its way towards the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts. The weather agency also reported that a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal could intensify into a cyclonic storm from October 28, leading to heavy rainfall in the coastal and western regions of West Bengal.

The weather system could cause a drop in daytime temperatures by two to three degrees in the southern parts of the state. Additionally, thunderstorms with gusts up to 40 km per hour are expected to dominate all South Bengal districts starting October 28, while heavy rain is forecasted for coastal districts of South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, and Bankura.

The meteorological department recommended that fisherfolk avoid venturing into the sea starting October 26. In the capital city, thunderstorms are expected on October 28.