Depression May Spare AP, says IMD

Weather scientist Karunasagar of IMD told Deccan Chronicle that the Odisha and West Bengal coasts might bear the brunt but AP need not worry. Only north coastal Andhra might get rains from May 24.

Private weather observer Skymet said this maiden system of pre-monsoon will have the potential to intensify further as it moves over the deep waters of the Bay of Bengal. The timing and location favour the possibility of a cyclone.

A large stretch of the coastline along the box-like structure of Bay of Bengal becomes vulnerable for rough weather conditions.

At present, a broad east-west cyclonic circulation is marked off the Tamil Nadu coast, extending from farther parts of south-west Bay of Bengal to south-central parts of Bay. The system is getting organised and likely to become compact in the next 24-36 hours.

Subsequently, a low-pressure area is likely to form over south-west Bay of Bengal, supported by a cyclonic circulation up to mid-tropospheric levels. Environmental conditions being favourable, the chances of having a strong system remain alive, it said.

During the consolidation phase, the low pressure will intensify and move north-eastward. It means that the system will shift farther from the coast and keep a safe distance from becoming a depression or deep depression. The dichotomy begins from thereon, about its likely course and timelines.

At this juncture, there is large diversification and precision-forecasting is difficult. It may or may not become a cyclonic storm and could navigate as depression or deep depression.

However, the chance cannot be ruled out and, in that case, the entire coastline from Myanmar-Bangladesh- West Bengal to Odisha becomes vulnerable.

Meanwhile, the south-west monsoon advanced into more areas of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and south Bay of Bengal.

Amarapuram in Sri Sathya Sai district received the highest rainfall of 7.5 cm, Atmakur in Nandyal district 5 cm and Veeraghattam in Parvathipuram Manyam district 4.5 cm of rainfall.