India prepares for second cyclone in less than a week

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a low-pressure area formed over the South Andaman Sea, North Andaman Sea, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands continued its movement in the west-northwest direction. On October 31, 2026, at 8:30 AM, this area existed as a marked low-pressure area near the southeastern Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Andaman Sea.

The extent of this associated cyclonic circulation is up to an altitude of 7.6 kilometers above sea level. It is forecasted that this system will convert into a depression in the same area within the next six hours, after which it may strengthen further into a cyclonic storm within the next 24 hours.

IMD assesses that this system will continue to move in a west-northwest direction and is likely to reach the central western Bay of Bengal near the Andhra Pradesh coast around the evening of November 2, 2026. Since this system is still developing, continuous monitoring of its intensity and precise track is necessary.

Thunderstorms are expected at several locations in the coastal areas of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Sea conditions may be moderate to rough and occasionally very rough. Winds may blow from the southeast to the south at a speed of 37 to 46 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 55 km per hour.

Additionally, there is an increased risk of heavy rainfall in the coastal parts of Andhra Pradesh in the coming days. Farmers, fishermen, and coastal residents are advised to remain vigilant. Local vigilance signals may be activated at ports, and ships and boats traveling at sea need to exercise extreme caution.

Such weather systems are common in the Bay of Bengal during the months of October and November, which can cause heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high sea waves. Concerned state governments and disaster management teams have already started preparations. Citizens should pay attention to the regular updates issued by the IMD. If this system turns into a cyclone, a warning will be issued based on its intensity. Currently, it is in a developing stage, so there is no need to panic, but caution is mandatory. The meteorological department is continuously monitoring this situation and will issue additional alerts as required.

Cyclone 'Arnab' caused significant damage to the eastern coast of India, leading to fallen trees and power poles, damaged roads, and heavy downpours. In some areas of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, precipitation up to 30 centimeters was recorded. The effects of this storm are expected to extend to Nepal, which is preparing for several days of rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall starting on Thursday.

The weather forecasting division of the Nepal Meteorological Department reported that the country is currently under partial influence of western winds, and the approaching cyclone is expected to bring abundant precipitation and the risk of heavy rain and snowfall over the weekend.

The department stated in its latest bulletin that 'the country is currently under partial influence of western winds. Furthermore, the country is expected to come under the influence of Cyclone 'Arnab', which formed over the Bay of Bengal, starting from 12th Kartik (Thursday)'.

On Wednesday morning, weather conditions in the Himalayan and hilly regions remained relatively clear, but fog and haze affected parts of the Terai, valleys, and river basins. An increase in cloud cover and scattered precipitation is forecast from mid-Wednesday, with conditions becoming more unstable at night.

The districts of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini are among those expecting rain, while snowfall is possible in the Himalayan regions. The risk will increase on Thursday night, when rain and snow may be accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Heavy rainfall is possible in parts of the Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces, and some areas of Lumbini may also receive heavy rain.

The most extensive impact is expected on Friday and Saturday. The department warned that heavy rains or snowfall could affect several provinces, and there is a possibility of very heavy precipitation in isolated places. The forecast for Friday states: 'Mostly cloudy across the country. In most places in the Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces, as well as in many places in the Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces, light or moderate rain or snowfall accompanied by thunder and lightning is possible.'

The combination of western winds and humidity associated with Cyclone Arnab may increase the threat of flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in vulnerable hilly zones. Heavy snowfall may also create dangerous conditions in high-altitude areas.

Meanwhile, in India, at least three people died in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday due to incidents related to Cyclone Arnab. The South Coast Railway (SCoR) cancelled 57 trains and postponed the schedule of another 15 as a precautionary measure. However, officials quoted by ANI reported that the cyclone weakened from a very severe to a severe tropical storm after making landfall and was expected to continue weakening. Four additional NDRF teams were deployed to Andhra Pradesh.