A depression over the Bay of Bengal has strengthened into a deep depression, positioned approximately 250 kilometres east of Visakhapatnam early Thursday morning, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Centred at latitude 17.7°N and longitude 85.7°E over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal, the system moved north-northwest at 17 kmph as of 5:30 a.m. This intensification signals potential heavy rainfall and disruptive weather along the eastern seaboard, prompting alerts for coastal districts in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

The IMD forecasts the deep depression will maintain its north-northwest trajectory, making landfall between Gopalpur and Paradip along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coasts late Thursday night. Maximum sustained winds currently range from 50 to 60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph, with the system likely to weaken into a depression post-landfall. Such cyclonic formations are common in the Bay of Bengal during the post-monsoon transition, driven by warm sea surface temperatures and low atmospheric pressure, often leading to localised flooding and infrastructure challenges in vulnerable coastal areas.

In Andhra Pradesh, districts including Srikakulam, Parvatipuram Manyam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, and Anakapalli face moderate thunderstorms, lightning, and squally winds up to 60 kmph, coupled with heavy rainfall at most places. Further south, Kakinada, Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, NTR, Krishna, Guntur, Palnadu, Bapatla, Prakasam, Nellore, and Yanam can expect light thunderstorms, gusty winds reaching 40 kmph, and moderate rain across many locations. These conditions heighten risks of waterlogging, particularly in low-lying urban and rural zones already recovering from recent monsoon excesses.

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Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors during severe weather, secure fishing vessels, and monitor IMD updates via official channels. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority has activated response teams, while Odisha's revenue department prepares for evacuation if needed. As the system evolves, timely preparedness remains crucial to mitigate impacts in this agriculturally vital region, where heavy rains could boost reservoir levels but also disrupt transportation and daily life.

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