The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across Odisha between November 18 and 21, as a developing low-pressure system over the southeast Bay of Bengal may intensify into a cyclonic storm to be named Akvan. The same system could also affect coastal Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, according to the forecast.
The system is expected to form in mid-November and to become a depression first, before strengthening into a cyclonic storm around November 16. If it develops as projected, it would be named Cyclone Akvan. The IMD has indicated that it may become a possible severe cyclonic storm over the sea by November 18. Forecast wind speeds are in the range of 85 to 95 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching up to 105 kilometres per hour. Such conditions would be significant for coastal communities and for fishing activity along the affected stretch of sea, though the notes do not specify the exact impact on these groups.
The Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has issued yellow and orange warnings for the state, the category of alert that signals the need for closer attention from residents and local authorities. Isolated heavy rainfall of 7 to 11 centimetres is expected on November 18. Very heavy rainfall of 12 to 20 centimetres may occur on November 19 and 20 in some districts. An orange warning has been placed on Gajapati, Ganjam and Puri for November 19 and 20, while several central districts are under orange alert for November 20 and 21. Many other districts have been placed under yellow warnings for thunderstorms and gusty winds, with winds of around 40 to 60 kilometres per hour forecast across the state. Taken together, the warnings cover both the southern coastal belt and the central parts of the state, meaning that a broad area is likely to experience disturbed weather over the four-day period.
The track of the system remains uncertain. The IMD has said the storm is initially likely to move northwest and later north-northwest, but landfall details and the final path have not been confirmed. Both the intensity and the track will depend on how the system moves and develops in the coming days, and forecasters have cautioned that the picture may change. Because the forecast window stretches over several days, the warnings for specific districts may be revised as new observations come in.
Residents of the affected districts have been advised to follow the latest IMD bulletins and to stay alert to updates on rainfall, wind and coastal conditions as the system develops. The advisory applies in particular to those living in low-lying areas and near the coast, where heavy rain and gusty winds can cause waterlogging and disruption to travel and daily life. Authorities and households alike are being asked to track the official bulletins rather than informal forecasts, as the situation is expected to evolve over the coming days.