IMD and Skymet Predict Formation of Low-Pressure System in Bay of Bengal

**Weather Alert: Low-Pressure System Expected to Intensify in Bay of Bengal**

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast regarding the emergence of a low-pressure area over the Southwest Bay of Bengal by May 22nd. This system is predicted to move northeastwards and could strengthen into a depression by May 24th, according to the IMD. Echoing this forecast, Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, also anticipates the formation of a low-pressure area in the same region within the next 2-3 days, with potential to escalate into a depression or deep depression.

This developing weather system is likely to bring light to moderate rain and thundershowers to parts of north Odisha, specifically affecting districts such as Malkangiri, Koraput, and Nabarangpur, with isolated rainfall expected in other areas on May 22nd and 23rd. Manorama Mohanty, director of the IMD’s Bhubaneswar center, has advised the public to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation, stating that it is too early to predict the exact trajectory or intensity of the system.

**Potential Cyclone Formation and Monsoon Update**

There is speculation on whether this system could evolve into a cyclone. The IMD has noted that the system could play a role in advancing the southwest monsoon across India. Despite the rising temperatures, which are expected to increase by 2-4 degrees Celsius in many districts over the next five days, thunderstorm activities are likely to persist in some areas of Odisha.

The monsoon has already made its presence felt in the Nicobar Islands and the South Andaman Sea, with its arrival in Kerala anticipated by May 31st. In Odisha, the monsoon is expected to arrive in the second week of June. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director-general of meteorology at IMD, mentioned that while the low-pressure area could help advance the monsoon over the Andaman Sea and adjacent Bay of Bengal, its impact on the monsoon’s onset in Kerala remains uncertain. Although May is a month known for cyclone formation, it is too early to confirm if this system will develop into one.

GP Sharma, president of Skymet Weather Services, believes the weather system has a significant potential to become a cyclone but is unlikely to impede the monsoon’s progress. Instead, it might aid in the monsoon’s advancement across the region.

Stay tuned to our channel for further updates on this developing weather situation.