A deep depression over the westcentral and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal is approaching the coast of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting landfall during the night of September 23, 2026.
According to the latest IMD bulletin, the system was centred at around 8:30 am on September 23, approximately 60 km southeast of Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, 140 km east-northeast of Visakhapatnam, and 150 km south of Gopalpur in Odisha.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: Deep depression approaching the eastern Indian coast.
Location: North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coast, near Kalingapatnam.
Authority/Organisation: India Meteorological Department (IMD) and state disaster-management authorities.
Action Taken: Weather warnings issued; disaster-response teams and local preparedness measures activated in vulnerable areas.
Impact: Heavy to very heavy rainfall, isolated extremely heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas expected across affected regions.
The system is expected to move west-northwestwards and cross the North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, close to Kalingapatnam, while retaining its status as a deep depression.
The immediate concern is heavy rainfall, strong winds and deteriorating sea conditions rather than further intensification into a cyclonic storm. Current reporting based on the IMD forecast indicates that the system is not expected to become a cyclone before crossing the coast.
Heavy Rainfall Threat
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The main risk is from extreme rainfall, flooding, strong winds and hazardous sea conditions rather than the formation of a cyclone. Low-lying and vulnerable areas in southern Odisha and coastal Andhra Pradesh could face weather-related disruptions as the system crosses the coast.
The weather system is expected to bring widespread rainfall across parts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated extremely heavy rainfall over parts of southern Odisha on September 23 and 24. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam are also expected to experience widespread rainfall, with heavy to very heavy rainfall at several places and isolated extremely heavy rainfall during the same period.
Several districts in southern Odisha have already experienced heavy rainfall, while authorities have increased preparedness measures. Odisha has mobilised disaster-response teams in vulnerable areas, and precautionary measures including closure of educational institutions have been reported in several districts.
Strong Winds and Rough Seas
The IMD's coastal bulletin warned of squally winds of 30–35 knots, gusting up to 40 knots, along parts of the North Andhra coast. Rough to very rough sea conditions are expected along the affected coast.
For South Odisha, the IMD reported cyclonic winds of around 30–35 knots, gusting up to 45 knots, along with very rough to high sea conditions. Local cautionary signals remain in place at Odisha ports.
Fishermen and coastal communities have been advised to remain cautious as sea conditions remain hazardous during the system's approach and landfall.
