Low-Pressure Area Likely Over Bay of Bengal; Cyclone Formation Chances Remain Low: IMD

Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated the possibility of the formation of an upper-air cyclonic circulation or a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal during the second week of May, though the likelihood of it intensifying into a cyclone remains low.

According to the ‘North Indian Ocean Extended Range Outlook for Cyclogenesis’ issued by the IMD on May 7, favourable conditions are expected to develop over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining west-central and southeast Bay of Bengal during the second half of Week 1, between May 8 and May 14.

The weather agency stated that various large-scale environmental features, climatological conditions, and model guidance indicate the possibility of the development of an upper-air cyclonic circulation or a low-pressure area over the region.

The IMD outlook further predicted a low probability of cyclogenesis, or the formation of a depression or more intense weather system, over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal during the period from May 13 to May 16.

The agency classified the probability of cyclogenesis as “low,” indicating a 1 to 33 per cent chance of the system intensifying into a depression or cyclone.

As per the IMD outlook, Week 1 covers the period from May 8 to May 14, while Week 2 extends from May 15 to May 21.

The Bay of Bengal frequently witnesses the formation of weather systems during the pre-monsoon season, and meteorologists are closely monitoring the evolving conditions over the region for further developments.