A new low-pressure area has formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal and may intensify into Cyclone Arnab by October 26, raising the possibility of heavier rain across Tamil Nadu during an already active northeast monsoon, according to a weather department update reported by Dinamalar.
The system was identified over the southeast Bay of Bengal after the weather department had forecast the formation of another low-pressure area in the region. The department said the system could strengthen into a depression on the following day and potentially develop into a cyclone on October 26.
The storm is expected to be named Arnab, a name proposed by Bangladesh under the regional cyclone-naming system. The report did not provide a projected landfall location, wind-speed forecast or a confirmed track for the system.
Tamil Nadu is already experiencing heavy rain as the northeast monsoon becomes more active. The new weather system could intensify rainfall in several districts, although the available update does not identify the districts most likely to be affected or specify the expected rainfall totals.
The development is significant for the state’s urban areas because heavier monsoon rain can place additional pressure on drainage networks, roads and other civic systems. However, the supplied weather update does not state whether any city-specific advisories, evacuation measures, school closures or transport restrictions have been announced.
Further assessments will be required as the system’s strength, movement and likely impact become clearer. The next key milestone in the current forecast is the possibility of its intensification into a cyclone on October 26, after the system is expected to strengthen into a depression.
