A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is expected to turn into a cyclonic storm named Akvan by the evening of November 16.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the government's weather agency, is closely monitoring it.
The system may first become a deep depression, and then a cyclonic storm.
It could grow into a severe cyclonic storm by November 18.
Coastal areas of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh may get heavy rain and strong winds.
Key points
- A low-pressure system may become cyclonic storm Akvan by November 16.
- It may approach the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur around November 17 and 18.
- No official announcement has been made on which state it will hit.
- The exact track will only be clear after November 15.
So why does this matter for people on the coast?
Squally winds could reach 80 kmph. Squally winds means strong winds that come in sudden bursts.
Wind speeds of 60 kmph are also possible.
The system may also bring rough weather over the Andaman Sea and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
This is the third cyclone after Arnab and Murasu.
The name Akvan was submitted by Iran under the regional naming system.
It refers to a demon-like character from the Persian epic Shahnameh, written by Ferdowsi.
Which coast could be hit, and when?
There has not been any official announcement about the landfall state.
- After November 15Exact track of the system expected to become clear.
- November 16 (evening)Low-pressure area may turn into cyclonic storm Akvan.
- November 17-18System may approach coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur.
- November 18Could grow into a severe cyclonic storm.
- November 19Heavy rain likely in Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri and Rayagada.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
However, several early weather models place it on the Andhra Pradesh coast.
Agricultural meteorologist Professor Surendranath Pashupalak said the system could approach the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur around November 17 and 18.
Meteorologists say the exact track will only be clear after November 15.
Heavy rain may fall in Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri and Rayagada on November 19.
What happens next for residents?
Until then, the IMD will keep tracking the system and its path.
Light to moderate rain is expected in Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada and Koraput.
Coastal areas could see winds of 35 to 45 kmph, with gusts reaching 55 kmph.
People in coastal districts should keep watching official weather updates.
Explainer
What happened before
- This is the third cyclone after Arnab and Murasu.
- The name Akvan was submitted by Iran under the regional naming system.
Why it matters
Coastal areas of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh may face heavy rain and strong winds.
What to watch next
- The exact track of the storm will only be clear after November 15.
- The IMD is closely monitoring the system and its likely path.
