Odisha Braces for Heavy Rains as Bay of Bengal Brews Potential Deep Depression

A low-pressure system is brewing over the North Andaman Sea and is set to intensify into a deep depression, bringing four days of heavy rain and strong winds to Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh from September 22. While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has not yet officially declared a cyclone, they are closely monitoring the developing weather system that has raised concerns, especially among coastal communities. This developing system, which started as a cyclonic circulation over northern Thailand, is projected to move west-northwestwards, reaching the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coasts by September 23. The IMD has already issued Orange and Yellow warning for many districts, advising fishermen to return from sea by September 21, even as global weather models like ECMWF and GFS suggest a possibility of the system evolving into a cyclonic storm, potentially named 'Arnab'. This comes as the southwest monsoon begins its retreat from northwest India, having left a 15% rainfall deficit nationwide this season. Authorities are urging residents to stay alert but avoid panic, emphasizing that official cyclone warnings are yet to be issued. The next few days are crucial as the system's intensity and exact path become clearer. Citizens, particularly in coastal areas, should prepare for significant rainfall and follow official advisories from the IMD and state disaster management agencies, with continuous updates expected as the deep depression nears the coast.