Bay of Bengal System May Intensify into Cyclone Arnab; Heavy Rain Alert for Tamil Nadu

The weather system, which developed over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal, intensified into a deep depression on Sunday. The IMD has forecast further strengthening into a cyclonic storm on Monday, with the possibility of additional intensification as it approaches the coast.

Forecasts indicate that the system could cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28. However, its projected intensity, movement and landfall location remain subject to change as the system develops.

The storm will be named Arnab if it reaches cyclonic storm intensity. The name was proposed by Bangladesh under the regional cyclone-naming system for the northern Indian Ocean.

Heavy Rain and Gusty Winds Forecast Across Tamil Nadu

The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall at isolated locations in Pudukkottai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram districts, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and winds reaching 40-50 kmph.

Similar conditions are likely in parts of southern Tamil Nadu, including Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar and Madurai. Theni, Dindigul, Karur and Tiruchirappalli are also among the districts where heavy showers, lightning and strong winds have been forecast.

In the Cauvery delta region, isolated locations in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam may receive heavy rainfall, with thunderstorms and gusty winds accompanying the showers.

The intensity of rainfall is expected to vary across the affected districts, with some areas potentially experiencing brief, intense downpours while neighbouring locations receive less precipitation.

Cyclone’s Track and Intensity Remain Under Watch

The developing Bay of Bengal system has placed southern, central and delta districts of Tamil Nadu under the possibility of unsettled weather as it moves towards the Andhra Pradesh coast.

While the IMD has forecast cyclonic storm formation and the possibility of further intensification, the eventual strength of the system and its precise coastal crossing will depend on its development over the coming days.

Residents in areas covered by the weather warnings are advised to follow the latest IMD bulletins and local authorities’ instructions as forecasts are updated.