Low in bay, cyclone expected by Thursday

A low-pressure system over the east-central Bay of Bengal and the North Andaman Sea has intensified, evolving into a distinct low-pressure area. 

It is expected to move west-northwestwards and could strengthen into a cyclonic storm.

According to a warning issued by the Meteorological Office on Monday (October 21), if the low pressure develops into a cyclone, it will be named "Dana," a designation provided by Qatar. 

The warning advised all fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay of Bengal and the deep sea to move closer to the coast with caution, remaining ready to seek shelter on short notice.

Weather and climate researcher Mustafa Kamal indicated that there is a 90-100% chance of Cyclone "Dana" forming, based on the latest forecasts from the European Union's weather model as of October 21. 

The cyclone is expected to make landfall as a severe storm between 12:00 PM on October 23 and 6:00 PM on October 24, impacting both West Bengal in India and Bangladesh's Khulna division.

Mustafa Kamal noted that the cyclone may follow a similar trajectory to Cyclone Amphan, which struck the Medinipur and South 24 Parganas districts in West Bengal and the Satkhira and Khulna districts in Bangladesh. 

Meteorologist Omar Farooq added that the low pressure is expected to strengthen further starting Monday, with the likelihood of a cyclone forming by Thursday. 

However, the exact path and strength of the storm are yet to be determined.