The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, which could intensify into Cyclone Arnab, strengthened on Sunday morning as it moved towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, where it is expected to make landfall on Wednesday.

While Kolkata and most districts of South Bengal are unlikely to see heavy rainfall immediately, several districts could experience rain and gusty winds as the weather system strengthens and moves toward the Andhra Pradesh coast. 

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the low-pressure area over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal is intensifying and is likely to develop into a deep depression before becoming a cyclonic storm.

The system could intensify further on October 27 and may develop into a very severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday morning. The weather agency is closely monitoring its movement and intensity as it approaches the eastern coastline.

The cyclone is likely to reach the Andhra Pradesh coast by Wednesday morning, October 28.

It may cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, with wind speeds expected to reach 115-125 kmph and gusts of up to 140 kmph.

Although Andhra Pradesh is expected to bear the brunt of the system, the developing cyclone could also influence weather conditions along the West Bengal coast.

The IMD has indicated the possibility of heavy rainfall in some districts between October 28 and 30, alongside warnings of strong winds in coastal areas.

Kolkata weather forecast for October 26

Despite the intensifying weather system over the Bay of Bengal, Kolkata is unlikely to be significantly affected on Monday.

The forecast says the chance of heavy rainfall in the city remains low, though skies are expected to be cloudy.

Read more: Cyclone Arnab may approach Odisha coast; Kerala puts 10 districts under orange alert 

South Bengal weather forecast

Most districts of South Bengal, including North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly and Nadia, are expected to experience relatively stable weather on Monday, with little possibility of heavy rainfall.

Similar conditions are likely in Purba Bardhaman, Birbhum, Bankura and Purulia, with no specific weather warnings indicated in the forecast.

However, coastal districts, particularly South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur, will remain under close observation as the weather system develops.

North Bengal weather forecast

North Bengal is expected to remain largely dry on Monday. Heavy rainfall is unlikely in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri, as well as in Siliguri, according to the forecast.

Bengal weather forecast for October 27

Weather conditions in South Bengal could begin to change on Tuesday, October 27, as the cyclonic system intensifies.

Light to moderate rainfall is likely in isolated areas of Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, Kolkata, Howrah and Hooghly.

Gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are possible at one or two locations in South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning may also occur in these areas.

North Bengal, meanwhile, is expected to remain predominantly dry.

With the system expected to strengthen over the Bay of Bengal, the IMD is monitoring its trajectory and intensity. The rainfall outlook for West Bengal could change as the cyclone moves closer to the eastern coastline.