Cyclone 'Murasu' forms over Bay of Bengal; southern Odisha on high alert
Source Entity
Latest News: Todays Latest News Headlines from India & World | Hindustan Times
A new low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal is intensifying into a cyclonic storm, expected to bring heavy rain to coastal Andhra Pradesh by November 2. While the storm will reach the Andhra coast, meteorological experts anticipate it will weaken significantly before impacting inland regions like Telangana.
Meteorological Shift: New Cyclone Threat in the Bay of Bengal
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant weather alert as a low-pressure area, currently situated over the South Andaman Sea and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, shows clear signs of rapid intensification. This atmospheric disturbance is projected to evolve into a depression and subsequently a full-fledged cyclonic storm by November 1, 2026. This development marks a critical period for the coastal regions of the Southern Peninsula, which have been bracing for renewed precipitation following a short dry spell.
The Path of the Storm
According to official projections, the system is tracking west-northwestward across the Bay of Bengal. The IMD anticipates that the storm will reach the west-central Bay of Bengal, specifically nearing the Andhra Pradesh coast, by the evening of November 2. This trajectory places coastal Andhra Pradesh directly in the path of potential heavy rainfall and high-wind conditions as the system approaches its landfall point, which is currently estimated for the morning of November 3.
Impact on Southern Peninsula and Keralam
The influence of this weather system is not limited to the immediate point of landfall. Keralam is expected to see a revival of rainfall activity beginning November 1, as the moisture-laden system shifts regional wind patterns. This reactivation of the monsoon-like conditions is a direct result of the cyclonic circulation drawing moisture from the Bay of Bengal, impacting weather patterns across the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent.
Weakening Trends and Inland Projections
While the storm poses a significant risk to coastal areas, meteorological data suggests a dissipation process as the system moves inland. S. Stella, Head of the IMD Centre in Hyderabad, has clarified that although the system will reach cyclone status over the sea, it is expected to weaken considerably into a deep depression before reaching Telangana. This indicates that while the state may experience some weather variations, the most severe impacts of the cyclonic storm are expected to remain concentrated along the eastern coastline.
Broader Implications and Preparedness
The rapid succession of these weather systems, following recent activity like Cyclone Arnab, underscores the volatility of the post-monsoon season in the Bay of Bengal. Such events necessitate heightened vigilance from local authorities and disaster management teams. As the system moves toward the Andhra Pradesh coast, stakeholders are advised to monitor IMD bulletins closely, as the transition from a low-pressure area to a cyclonic storm can alter local weather conditions with little warning.
Future Outlook
As we move into early November 2026, the primary focus remains on the intensification rate of the system over the next 24 hours. The transition from a depression to a cyclonic storm will dictate the severity of the rainfall expected across the Andhra coast. Residents in vulnerable areas should prepare for potential heavy showers and the associated risks of localized flooding as the system makes its final approach toward the coast on November 3.
Multiple Citing Sources
Verification Required?