A North Andaman Sea low pressure area is expected to form by the evening of September 19, 2026, under the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the system is likely to intensify gradually and move west-northwestwards towards the south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coasts over the following three to four days.
The developing weather system is being closely monitored as its strength and movement could influence weather conditions along the eastern coast.
North Andaman Sea Low Pressure Area to Move West-Northwest
According to the IMD’s coastal weather bulletin issued on September 18, the upper-air cyclonic circulation that had moved from north Thailand emerged over the North Andaman Sea and adjoining areas. The circulation extends up to about 7.6 km above mean sea level.
Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the same region around the evening of September 19. The IMD expects the system to subsequently intensify and move towards the south Odisha-north Andhra Pradesh coast during the next three to four days.
The developing system is also being watched for possible intensification into a depression. Reports citing weather officials said that the system could strengthen into a depression as it moves towards the coast, although its eventual intensity and track will depend on how the system develops after formation.
Possibility of Cyclone Being Closely Watched
The possibility of further intensification has also drawn attention to whether the system could eventually become a cyclonic storm. However, the current weather information does not establish that a cyclone will form.
The IMD has continued to monitor the system as it develops. Any change in its intensity, direction or potential impact will depend on subsequent observations and forecasts.
The name Arnab appears in the official WMO/ESCAP list of tropical cyclone names under Bangladesh. However, the development of a low-pressure area alone does not mean that a cyclone named Arnab has formed.
Odisha Coast in Focus
The expected movement towards the south Odisha-north Andhra Pradesh coast makes the system particularly relevant for Odisha’s weather outlook. The IMD’s coastal bulletin currently indicates that the system is expected to move towards this coastal region after formation.
The latest available IMD bulletin also reported rain or thunderstorms at one or two places along both the north and south Odisha coasts, with mainly north-easterly winds of 5–10 knots. At the time of that bulletin, sea conditions were described as smooth and no port signal or storm-surge/tidal warning was in force.
The North Andaman Sea low pressure area is therefore expected to remain an important weather system to watch over the coming days, particularly as it gradually moves towards the south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coast. Further IMD updates will be important for determining whether the system strengthens into a depression or develops further.
