Cyclone Arnab has weakened significantly after moving inland, with the system reducing to a well-marked low-pressure area over north Chhattisgarh by Thursday evening. However, weather activity over the Bay of Bengal remains a concern as another developing system is showing signs of intensification and could become a depression by Saturday.

According to the Meteorological Department, the fresh weather system over the south Andaman Sea is expected to move west-northwestwards over the coming days. If current projections hold, it could develop into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal and neighbouring areas by Saturday morning.

Weather officials have noted that October and November are particularly favourable months for the development and intensification of cyclonic systems over the Bay of Bengal.

New Low-Pressure System Over Bay of Bengal May Become a Depression

The developing weather system over the south Andaman Sea and adjoining regions remained active at 8:30 am on Thursday.

In its weather bulletin, the Meteorological Department indicated that the system was likely to move west-northwestwards and strengthen into a well-marked low-pressure area by Friday morning.

It is then expected to continue moving in the same direction before concentrating into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and adjoining areas by Saturday morning.

A weather official said the system could gain further strength after developing into a depression. However, it is still too early to determine whether it will eventually intensify into another cyclone.

The possibility of two consecutive cyclonic systems developing over the Bay of Bengal has attracted attention from weather observers. Officials noted that although such back-to-back developments are uncommon, they are not unprecedented.

Cyclone Arnab Weakens After Making Landfall in Andhra Pradesh

Cyclone Arnab made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between 2 am and 8 am on Wednesday as a very severe cyclonic storm.

The system brought intense rainfall and powerful winds, with wind speeds reaching approximately 150 kmph during the landfall period.

After moving inland, the cyclone gradually lost strength. It weakened into a deep depression on Wednesday night and further reduced to a depression by Thursday morning.

By Thursday morning, the system had shifted over south Chhattisgarh and adjoining parts of south Odisha. It subsequently weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area over north Chhattisgarh by the evening.

Although the storm weakened considerably after moving inland, its influence continued to be felt across parts of eastern India through rainfall and cloudy weather.

Kolkata Weather Update: Cloudy Skies and Intermittent Rain

Despite the cyclone making landfall more than 700 km away, Kolkata experienced changes in weather conditions as the system moved towards Chhattisgarh through southern Odisha.

The city witnessed intermittent rainfall and persistent cloud cover on Thursday.

According to the Meteorological Department, Alipore recorded slightly less than 15 mm of rainfall between 8:30 pm on Wednesday and 8:30 pm on Thursday.

The cloudy conditions brought down the maximum temperature by nearly three degrees. However, higher humidity levels contributed to an increase in nighttime temperatures.

Light rainfall cannot be ruled out in Kolkata on Friday, while the possibility and intensity of showers are expected to decrease further on Saturday.

Heavy Rainfall Recorded Across Several Bengal Districts

Several districts of West Bengal received substantial rainfall as Cyclone Arnab moved inland.

Rainfall observations recorded between Wednesday and Thursday morning showed significant precipitation in parts of southern Bengal.

Some of the notable recordings included:

Location Rainfall
Sagar Island, South 24-Parganas 82 mm
Purulia 61 mm
Alipore, Kolkata Nearly 15 mm

The rainfall brought temporary relief from higher temperatures in some areas, although increased humidity continued to affect weather conditions.

The Meteorological Department also indicated that light rain and thunderstorms could occur at isolated locations across all districts of south Bengal between October 31 and November 5.

Heavy Rain Alert for North Bengal Districts

While rainfall activity in Kolkata and southern Bengal is expected to remain relatively limited, several northern districts are likely to experience heavier showers.

Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong and Alipurduar are expected to receive heavy rainfall on Friday, according to the weather forecast.

Residents in these areas should remain attentive to official weather updates, particularly in locations vulnerable to waterlogging and difficult travel conditions.

Train Services Disrupted Due to Heavy Rainfall in Andhra Pradesh

The impact of Cyclone Arnab was also visible in railway operations, with several trains connecting Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal cancelled on Thursday.

According to railway officials, heavy waterlogging in the Visakhapatnam division of South Coast Railway affected train movement.

Among the services cancelled were:

The cancellations were announced as a precautionary and operational measure following the disruption caused by heavy rainfall.

Passengers travelling on affected routes were advised to check the latest railway updates before beginning their journeys.

What to Expect From the Weather in the Coming Days?

With Cyclone Arnab weakening over Chhattisgarh, immediate rainfall activity associated with the system is expected to gradually reduce across several regions.

However, the developing system over the Bay of Bengal could become the next major weather development to watch.

The Meteorological Department is monitoring its movement and potential intensification over the coming days. Meanwhile, Kolkata and southern West Bengal may experience isolated light showers, while northern districts could receive heavier rainfall.

The possibility of another cyclone remains uncertain at this stage. For now, weather conditions across eastern India will largely depend on the movement and development of the two systems.

Sources By Agencies