IMD Warns of Possible Cyclonic Storm in Bay of Bengal by 16 November 2026

In the News

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that a developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal could intensify into a cyclonic storm by the evening of 16 November 2026.

According to the IMD's latest update on 14 November, a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area. It is expected to develop into a depression within the next 24 hours before strengthening into a cyclonic storm.

The forecast has prompted precautionary measures in coastal states, particularly Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Background

The Bay of Bengal is one of the most cyclone-prone regions of the North Indian Ocean. Tropical cyclones generally develop over warm ocean waters when atmospheric conditions support the formation of a strong low-pressure system.

India experiences two major cyclone seasons: April–June and October–December.

The IMD is responsible for monitoring tropical cyclones and issuing forecasts, warnings and advisories to reduce risks to coastal populations.

Key Highlights

• Forecasting Agency: India Meteorological Department (IMD).

• Weather System: Well-marked low-pressure area.

• Formation Region: Southeast Bay of Bengal.

• Initial Formation: 13 November 2026.

• Latest Development: Intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area on 14 November.

• Expected Depression: Around 15 November 2026.

• Possible Cyclonic Storm: Evening of 16 November 2026.

• Expected Movement: Northwestwards, followed by north-northwestwards.

• Wind Conditions: Squally winds of approximately 50–60 km/h, with stronger winds possible as the system intensifies.

• Potentially Affected Areas: Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

• Fishermen Advisory: Fishermen have been advised to return to the coast by 15 November and avoid venturing into affected sea areas.

• Landfall: The exact track and landfall location have not yet been confirmed.

Important Facts for Competitive Exams

1. India Meteorological Department (IMD): Established in 1875, the IMD functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. It is India's principal agency for weather forecasting, meteorological observations and cyclone warnings.

2. Tropical Cyclones: Tropical cyclones are intense low-pressure systems that develop over warm tropical oceans. They are characterised by strong winds, heavy rainfall and organised atmospheric circulation.

3. Cyclone Classification: The IMD classifies a system as a cyclonic storm when its maximum sustained surface wind speed reaches 62–88 km/h. Stronger systems are classified as severe cyclonic storms, very severe cyclonic storms and higher categories.

4. Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC): RSMC New Delhi, operated by the IMD, provides tropical cyclone advisories for the North Indian Ocean, including the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.

5. Cyclone Naming: Tropical cyclones over the North Indian Ocean are named using a list adopted by the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones. The IMD assigns names when a system reaches cyclonic storm intensity.

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