A cyclonic storm, named Akvan, is rapidly intensifying over the Bay of Bengal and is projected to move towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, with landfall anticipated around November 19. Weather models indicate that the storm could strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by November 17, bringing significant rainfall to parts of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been closely monitoring the development of the low-pressure area, which formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal. It has since intensified into a well-marked low-pressure system and is expected to become a depression by Sunday, November 15, before further strengthening into a cyclonic storm on November 16.
Information available with The Chenab Times indicates that Cyclone Akvan is forecast to move north-northwestwards and intensify over the central Bay of Bengal. By November 17, it is likely to become a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal. The system’s intensity is expected to increase further over the subsequent two days as it continues its trajectory towards the Andhra Pradesh coast. Some forecasts suggest it could become a very severe cyclonic storm by early November 19, with sustained wind speeds potentially reaching 120-130 kmph, gusting up to 145 kmph.
The IMD has issued alerts for heavy rainfall in several regions. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are expected to witness heavy rainfall on November 18 and 19, with some districts in Odisha, including Gajapati, Ganjam, and Puri, facing an orange warning for heavy to very heavy rain on November 19-20. Gangetic West Bengal is also anticipated to experience isolated heavy rainfall and gusty winds on November 19 and 20. Coastal districts of South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur in West Bengal are specifically alerted for heavy rain from November 19 to 21, with downstream districts like Howrah, Paschim Medinipur, and Jhargram also likely to see downpours on November 20 and 21.
Rainfall activity over Tamil Nadu is expected to remain subdued until November 20, with light to moderate spells primarily over isolated parts of the Western Ghats and southern districts. Chennai may receive occasional light spells. However, some weather models suggest a gradual southward shift in the cyclone’s track, which could improve rainfall prospects for Chennai and neighboring districts, bringing the system’s outer rain bands closer to the coast.
Fishermen have been strongly advised to return to the coast by November 15 and are strictly instructed not to venture into the Andaman Sea, Southeast Bay of Bengal, Southwest Bay of Bengal, or Central Bay of Bengal until the cyclonic system has safely passed. The Indian Coast Guard has stated that ships and aircraft are ready for rescue operations to protect lives and property.
The precise landfall location and timing of Cyclone Akvan remain uncertain, with weather models providing slightly varying projections. Meteorologists emphasize that the exact track will become clearer after November 15. The developing system is the third significant weather event to affect the Bay of Bengal region in recent weeks, following cyclones Arnab and Murasu.
The Chenab Times News Desk
