New Delhi, October 25, 2026: India’s eastern coast is bracing for potentially severe weather as a depression over the Bay of Bengal is forecast to intensify into a cyclonic storm and then a severe cyclonic storm over the coming days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in its October 24 forecast, said the system could strengthen further into a very severe cyclonic storm and approach the Andhra Pradesh coast around the morning of October 28.
The developing weather system has put coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on alert, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds possible in vulnerable areas. Authorities have also advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea as conditions are expected to deteriorate.
The threat has already affected official travel plans. President Droupadi Murmu’s scheduled October 28–29 visit to Odisha has been postponed as a precaution. According to officials, the visit to her home district of Mayurbhanj has been rescheduled for November 4–5.
The storm’s eventual strength, movement and landfall location will depend on how the system develops. Residents should follow the latest IMD bulletins and instructions issued by local authorities.
Bay of Bengal Depression: How the System Could Develop
According to the IMD’s bulletin issued on October 24, the depression was centred over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal at around 5:30 p.m. IST. It was located approximately 510 kilometres north-northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman Islands and 820 kilometres east-southeast of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
The weather system was forecast to move initially southwards before turning west-northwestwards. The IMD expected it to intensify into a deep depression on October 25, develop into a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 26 and strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm around October 27.
The system could subsequently intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and reach the west-central Bay of Bengal near the Andhra Pradesh coast around the morning of October 28.
These are forecast stages rather than confirmed developments. The latest IMD advisories will be crucial in determining whether the system follows the projected track and how intense it becomes.
Winds Could Reach 125 km/h
The forecast cited in the October 24 report warned that the system could approach or cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
Under that forecast scenario, maximum sustained wind speeds could reach 115–125 kilometres per hour, with gusts potentially reaching 140 kilometres per hour.
Such conditions could pose risks to coastal communities, fishing vessels, road travel and essential services. Heavy rainfall may also lead to waterlogging, localised flooding and disruption in low-lying areas, depending on the storm’s track and rainfall intensity.
The forecast does not mean that these wind speeds or impacts are certain. Authorities and residents should use updated warnings to assess the actual level of risk as the system approaches.
Andhra Pradesh Rain Alert: October 26–29
Andhra Pradesh is among the states expected to face significant weather impacts from the developing system. The IMD’s October 25 warning for coastal Andhra Pradesh indicated a risk of extremely heavy rainfall on October 27 and 28, alongside thunderstorms and strong surface winds.
The forecast period includes the following key dates:
October 25: Thunderstorms, lightning and strong surface winds are possible in parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema.
October 26: Thunderstorms and strong winds may continue as the depression is forecast to intensify over the Bay of Bengal.
October 27: Coastal Andhra Pradesh faces a risk of extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds.
October 28: Extremely heavy rainfall remains a concern for coastal Andhra Pradesh as the system approaches the coast.
October 29: Heavy rain and unsettled weather may continue in parts of the state.
The distribution and intensity of rainfall can vary between districts. Residents should monitor district-level alerts, particularly if they live in low-lying areas or locations exposed to strong coastal winds.
Odisha Prepares for Possible Cyclone Impacts
Odisha is also monitoring the developing system because of its potential proximity to the state’s southern coastline. The IMD’s October 24 coastal bulletin advised caution along Odisha’s coast as the depression was forecast to strengthen and move towards the west-central Bay of Bengal.
The possible impacts include heavy rainfall, gusty winds and rough sea conditions, although the severity will depend on the storm’s eventual path and intensity.
Coastal residents should remain attentive to local weather advisories and any instructions about evacuation, transport or access to exposed areas. Emergency services may need to prepare for rain-related disruption, fallen trees, damaged power lines and localised flooding if conditions worsen.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. Boats already operating offshore should follow official directions and return to safe harbour when instructed.
President Droupadi Murmu’s Odisha Visit Rescheduled
The developing cyclone threat has also prompted a change to President Droupadi Murmu’s official programme.
The President was scheduled to visit Rairangpur and her home district of Mayurbhanj on October 28 and 29. Officials said the tour had been postponed because of unfavourable weather forecasts and safety considerations.
The programme has not been cancelled. It has instead been rescheduled for November 4 and 5, according to officials and the Mayurbhanj district administration.
The change reflects the need to account for potential weather-related risks when planning travel and public engagements in areas that could be affected by a developing storm.
What Residents Should Do Before the Weather Deteriorates
People living in vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas should take official warnings seriously and prepare for possible disruption.
- Follow official updates: Check the latest IMD forecast and instructions from district administrations rather than relying on older forecasts circulating on social media.
- Avoid the sea: Fishermen should follow official restrictions and harbour instructions.
- Prepare for heavy rain: Keep essential medicines, drinking water, charged phones, torches and important documents accessible.
- Secure outdoor items: Bring loose objects indoors and stay away from damaged electrical lines and unstable structures.
- Plan travel carefully: Check local advisories before travelling through areas vulnerable to flooding, strong winds or transport disruption.
- Follow evacuation instructions: If authorities advise people to move to safer locations, do so promptly.
These precautions are particularly important because a cyclone’s intensity, track and rainfall distribution can change as new information becomes available.
The Bigger Picture: Why the Next Few Days Matter
The period from October 26 to October 29 will be important for tracking the developing system, with October 27 and 28 standing out in the forecast for possible severe weather near the eastern coast.
The central questions are whether the depression strengthens as expected, how close the system comes to the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts, and which districts face the greatest risk of heavy rain and damaging winds.
The IMD’s latest bulletins will provide a clearer picture as the system evolves. Until then, residents should treat the forecast as a developing weather threat and avoid assuming that either the projected landfall or the most severe scenario is certain.
Bottom Line: A depression over the Bay of Bengal could intensify significantly before approaching the Andhra Pradesh coast around October 28. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are preparing for possible heavy rain and strong winds, while President Droupadi Murmu’s Odisha visit has been moved to November 4–5. Following official warnings and taking sensible precautions will be essential as the weather system develops.
Weather disclaimer: Cyclone forecasts and rainfall warnings can change. This report reflects information available from the IMD’s October 24–25, 2026 bulletins. Consult the latest official advisories for current warnings and district-specific instructions.
