Tamil Nadu unlikely to face major impact from Bay of Bengal cyclone
A developing weather system is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by November 18 and move towards Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
A weather system brewing over the southeast Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by November 18, according to reports from The Hindu and Urban Acres. The system, which may be named Akvan, is projected to move towards the coast of north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha, potentially bypassing Tamil Nadu.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the low-pressure area formed at 5.30 am on Friday. It is expected to strengthen into a well-marked low-pressure area by November 14 and a depression by the morning of November 15. By the evening of November 16, the system is predicted to become a cyclonic storm over the central parts of the south and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal.
Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) Head V.R. Durai said there is currently no indication of heavy rainfall for Tamil Nadu due to the system's position and expected path. He noted that while major disturbances usually form in the southwest Bay of Bengal, this system originated in the southeast.
Light to moderate rainfall is expected in the southern and Western Ghats districts until November 20.
The formation of three cyclones in a single month is considered unusual. Durai added that warm sea surface temperatures could fuel more weather systems, which might help Tamil Nadu address rainfall deficits in various districts. Heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for the Andaman and Nicobar islands, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha until November 20.