Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has clarified that it has not issued any forecast for a cyclone over the Bay of Bengal, even as weather models have triggered speculation about a possible cyclonic system affecting Odisha.

According to the IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, a low-pressure area may form over the Bay of Bengal around September 19. However, it is too early to determine whether the system will intensify into a depression or a cyclone.

The IMD said rainfall activity in Odisha is likely to increase, particularly from September 23 onwards. However, the exact intensity and movement of the weather system are yet to be assessed.

The IMD DG also cautioned against relying on preliminary model predictions, stating that forecasts made by some weather models at this stage may not necessarily turn out to be accurate.

Responding to recent information attributed to ISRO regarding the possibility of a weather system, the IMD DG said there was nothing new in it and stressed that the meteorological situation needs to be monitored as the system develops.

The IMD further noted that, on average, around five cyclones are formed every year over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea combined.

The weather department, meanwhile, urged people not to panic over cyclone-related speculation and said that there is currently no official forecast of a cyclone. More clarity is expected as the low-pressure area, if it forms, develops in the coming days.