A weather system over the Bay of Bengal has strengthened into a Deep Depression and is moving toward the North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coast. As of September 23, 2026, the system has not intensified into a cyclonic storm and has therefore not been officially named Cyclone Arnab. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects the Deep Depression to cross the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, close to Kalingapatnam, during the night of September 23.
What's Happening in the Bay of Bengal Now
The depression over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal strengthened into a Deep Depression on September 22, 2026. At 2330 hrs IST on September 22, the system was centred near 18.0°N and 85.0°E, about 100 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam, 150 km south of Gopalpur, 220 km south-southwest of Puri and 180 km east-northeast of Visakhapatnam.
By the latest IMD bulletin on September 23, the system remained a Deep Depression and was moving west-northwestward. The IMD expected it to cross the North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, close to Kalingapatnam, by the night of September 23.
IMD, GFS and ECMWF Model Outlook
Earlier forecasts from global weather models, including the ECMWF and GFS, indicated the development of a strong weather system over the Bay of Bengal and its movement toward the Odisha–Andhra Pradesh coast. As the system developed, model forecasts adjusted its expected intensity and track.
The official IMD forecast on September 23 continued to classify the system as a Deep Depression, rather than a Cyclonic Storm. As of the September 23 bulletin, the IMD expected the system to cross the coast as a Deep Depression.
Will It Officially Become Cyclone Arnab?
Why Is the Name "Arnab" Being Mentioned?
Arnab is a name in the regional North Indian Ocean cyclone naming list contributed by Bangladesh. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) lists Arnab in the regional naming sequence and gives its pronunciation as “Ornab.”
A weather system does not receive a cyclone name simply because forecasts suggest that it could strengthen. Under the IMD classification, a system becomes a Cyclonic Storm when its maximum sustained wind speed reaches 34 knots (63 km/h) or more.
The relevant intensity categories are:
- Depression: 17–27 knots
- Deep Depression: 28–33 knots
- Cyclonic Storm: 34–47 knots
Therefore, if the current Deep Depression reaches cyclonic-storm intensity, it would be assigned the name Arnab. As of September 23, however, the IMD had not classified the system as a Cyclonic Storm.
Expected Coastal Crossing Location and Timing
The expected coastal crossing zone extends between Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Gopalpur in Odisha, with Kalingapatnam located close to the projected crossing area.
According to the IMD's September 23 bulletin, the Deep Depression is expected to cross the North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coast by the night of September 23, 2026.
The system is expected to bring rain, strong winds and rough to very rough seas to parts of the affected coastal areas. The IMD reported squally winds of 25–30 knots gusting to 40 knots along the North Andhra coast. The South Odisha coast could experience winds of 30–35 knots gusting to 45 knots.
States on Alert: Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal
Odisha
Odisha is among the areas expected to receive significant rainfall from the system. The IMD warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of the state, with stronger warnings for several southern districts.
Districts including Ganjam, Gajapati and Koraput were among the areas facing significant weather warnings. Local authorities also put precautionary measures in place, including shelters and other emergency arrangements. Schools and Anganwadi centres were closed in some districts, while ferry services in parts of Chilika Lake were suspended as a precaution.
Andhra Pradesh
Coastal Andhra Pradesh is close to the expected crossing zone, which extends from the Visakhapatnam area toward Gopalpur. The IMD warned of rainfall and strong winds along the North Andhra coast, along with widespread rainfall and isolated heavy rainfall in some areas.
Coastal districts are being monitored as the Deep Depression approaches the coast. Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to follow official weather warnings and instructions from local authorities.
West Bengal
West Bengal is farther from the expected coastal crossing area but can still experience rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds associated with the broader weather system.
On September 22, the Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata issued weather warnings for parts of the state, including alerts for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds in some districts.
How the Current System Compares With Recent Systems
The current system is part of the 2026 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. However, it should not be referred to as Cyclone Arnab unless it reaches the required intensity for classification as a Cyclonic Storm.
A recent comparison is Cyclonic Storm Ditwah, which developed over the southwest Bay of Bengal in November 2025. Ditwah reached cyclonic-storm strength and affected areas including Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
The two systems differ in their location and classification. As of September 23, 2026, the IMD classified the current system as a Deep Depression approaching the North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coast, while Ditwah was officially classified as a Cyclonic Storm during its 2025 development.
Safety Guidelines for Residents in Affected Areas
Residents in areas covered by weather warnings should follow instructions issued by the IMD and local authorities.
- Keep mobile phones fully charged and monitor official weather alerts.
- Avoid beaches, coastal areas, and rough seas while warnings remain in effect.
- Fishermen should follow official advisories and avoid entering dangerous sea conditions.
- Secure loose outdoor objects that could be blown away by strong winds.
- Avoid flooded roads and areas with fast-moving water.
- Keep drinking water, food, medicines, torches, and basic emergency supplies ready.
- If authorities order evacuation, move promptly to a designated shelter or safer location.
- Avoid relying on unverified social-media reports when official forecasts and advisories are available.
FAQs
1. Is Cyclone Arnab officially formed?
No. As of September 23, 2026, the IMD classified the system as a Deep Depression, not a Cyclonic Storm. Arnab is the applicable name if the system reaches cyclonic-storm intensity.
2. What is the current status of the Bay of Bengal system?
The system is currently classified as a Deep Depression over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal. It is moving west-northwestward toward the North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coast.
3. Where is the Bay of Bengal system expected to cross the coast?
The Deep Depression is expected to cross the North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, close to Kalingapatnam, during the night of September 23, 2026.
4. What does the name Arnab mean?
Arnab is a cyclone name contributed by Bangladesh to the North Indian Ocean regional naming list. The WMO lists its pronunciation as “Ornab.”
5. Which states are likely to be affected?
Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are closest to the expected coastal crossing area. Parts of West Bengal may also experience rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds associated with the weather system.
6. What is the difference between a depression and a cyclone?
Under the IMD classification, a Deep Depression has maximum sustained winds of 28–33 knots. A Cyclonic Storm begins at 34 knots (63 km/h). Therefore, a Deep Depression can intensify into a Cyclonic Storm, but it does not automatically do so.
7. When is the system expected to cross the coast?
The IMD forecast issued on September 23 expects the Deep Depression to cross the North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, close to Kalingapatnam, by the night of September 23, 2026.
8. Why is the system not called Cyclone Arnab yet?
The system has not been named Arnab because it has not reached the Cyclonic Storm intensity required for naming. As of September 23, the IMD classified it as a Deep Depression.
