Archive · 23 Sep 2026
How Cyclones Get Named as Bay System Nears India
A weather system is moving across the Bay of Bengal toward India’s eastern coast.
It is currently called a depression because its winds are not yet strong enough to make it a cyclone.
If its winds reach at least 63 kmph, it can be classified as a cyclonic storm.
Only then could it receive the next name on the regional list.
That next name is Arnab, which was provided by Bangladesh and means “ocean” in Bengali.
The system is expected to move toward the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
Heavy rain and strong winds may affect Odisha, so some schools and anganwadi centres have been closed.
Officials are also watching for rising rivers and flooding in low-lying areas.
The Bay of Bengal system is currently a depression, not Cyclone Arnab.
It could strengthen into a deep depression within 12 hours, according to the IMD.
The system is forecast to cross the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast between September 23 and 24.
Arnab, contributed by Bangladesh, is the next unused name in the regional cyclone roster.
Odisha has closed schools and anganwadi centres in several districts ahead of heavy rain and possible flooding.
- Who
- The India Meteorological Department is monitoring the system; regional countries, including Bangladesh and India, provide cyclone names.
- What
- A depression over the Bay of Bengal may strengthen and approach the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha coast, but it is not yet Cyclone Arnab.
- When
- The system was reported on September 22, 2026, and is forecast to cross the coast from the night of September 23 into the early hours of September 24.
- Where
- Over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal, toward the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast.
- Why
- The system is being monitored because it may intensify, bring heavy rain and strong winds, and cause flooding.
- Current classification
- Depression
- Possible next stage
- Deep depression within 12 hours
- Potential cyclone name
- Arnab
- Name contributor
- Bangladesh
- Meaning of Arnab
- “Ocean” in Bengali
- Expected landfall area
- Between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur
- Expected conditions
- Rainfall up to 20 cm and winds of 55–65 kmph in parts of Odisha