A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is projected to intensify into Cyclone Akvan by November 16, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to coastal regions including Odisha and Andhra Pradesh while authorities closely monitor its track.

A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is projected to intensify into Cyclone Akvan by November 16, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to coastal regions including Odisha and Andhra Pradesh while authorities closely monitor its track.

A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is projected to intensify into Cyclone Akvan by November 16, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to coastal regions including Odisha and Andhra Pradesh while authorities closely monitor its track.

The low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is likely to develop into a deep depression and then into a cyclonic storm by the evening of November 16, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.                                     

The weather system currently lies over the south-east Bay of Bengal. 

It is expected to move north-northwestwards and intensify into a cyclonic storm, Akvan, over the central Bay of Bengal by the evening of November 16. The weather system may further intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by November 18. 

This is the third cyclone after Arnab and Murasu. The cyclonic system is expected to bring rough weather over the Andaman Sea, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and parts of the Bay of Bengal. 

Wind speeds could reach 60 kmph, with squally winds of upto 80 kmph. 

The IMD is closely monitoring the system and its projected path and potential impact. 

There has not been any official announcement regarding which state’s coast the storm will move towards and make landfall at. Several early weather models, however, place its landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast. Agricultural meteorologist Professor Surendranath Pashupalak said the system could approach the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur around November 17-18.

Meteorologists say the exact track of the storm will only be clear after November 15. 

Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada and Koraput may experience light to moderate rainfall, with heavy showers at isolated places. Coastal areas could witness winds of 35-45 kmph, with gusts reaching 55 kmph.

Rain is also predicted to fall in Odisha from November 18. 

On November 19, districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri and Rayagada may receive heavy rainfall. Wind speeds of 30-40 kmph are also likely in some areas.         

The name Akvan was submitted by Iran under the regional naming system. The name is associated with Persian mythology and refers to a demon-like character from the Persian epic Shahnameh, by Ferdowsi.