No Official Cyclone Prediction So Far, IMD DG Says Low-Pressure System Is Being Monitored

Bhubaneswar,  Sept 18 [UDN}:The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General has clarified that no official assessment has been made regarding the formation of a possible cyclone over the Bay of Bengal. He said that the weather agency has, at present, forecast only the development of a low-pressure area and urged people not to panic based on preliminary cyclone predictions from various sources.

According to the IMD DG, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the east-central Bay of Bengal around September 19. After its formation, the system is expected to move in a west-northwestward direction, and by around September 23, it may reach the coastal region.

The weather system is expected to bring rainfall mainly to north Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha, although the intensity and distribution of rainfall will become clearer as the system develops and moves closer to the coast.

The IMD DG stressed that it would not be appropriate to predict a cyclone before the low-pressure system has actually formed. According to him, making a cyclone assessment too far in advance can lead to inaccurate projections because the behaviour, intensity and movement of a developing weather system can change significantly.

He further pointed out that very early forecasts do not always remain accurate, and therefore people should rely on official updates as the system evolves rather than becoming alarmed by preliminary projections.

The IMD DG also highlighted the organisation’s experience and capability in cyclone forecasting, stating that the IMD’s cyclone prediction system is among the most advanced and reliable in the world. He appealed to the public not to panic over cyclone forecasts issued by different organisations before an official assessment is available.

The IMD is expected to provide clearer information about the system’s formation, trajectory, intensity and possible impact on Odisha and Andhra Pradesh after the low-pressure area develops around September 19. Until then, authorities and the public are advised to follow official IMD bulletins and avoid relying on unverified or speculative cyclone forecasts.