Meteorological agencies are tracking a developing low-pressure area over the North Andaman Sea, fueled by a cyclonic circulation from northern Thailand and Myanmar.
Private forecasts suggest the system could become a depression or deep depression by September 22. With favorable conditions like high sea surface temperatures and low wind shear, it might intensify into a tropical cyclone—the first of 2026.
Conversely, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipates the system moving west-northwestward toward the South Odisha-North Andhra Pradesh coast, though it has not yet confirmed cyclone intensification.
Experts emphasize that it is premature to determine the exact path, intensity, or landfall location. Weather models will offer clearer projections once the depression officially forms. If it reaches cyclonic strength, it will be named 'Arnab', following a proposal by Bangladesh.