Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted the formation of a low-pressure area over the North Andaman Sea around September 19 (tomorrow), with the system likely to intensify into a depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal during September 21-22.

According to the IMD's extended range outlook, an upper-air cyclonic circulation currently over north Thailand is expected to emerge over the North Andaman Sea by the evening of September 18. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the same region on September 19.

The weather system is then likely to intensify gradually and move west-northwestwards towards the south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coasts over the following three to four days. The IMD has indicated a high probability of the system becoming a depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal during September 21-22.

The developing system is also expected to increase rainfall activity in Odisha as it approaches the coast. Several parts of the state are likely to receive rain under its influence.

The IMD has, however, not forecasted a cyclone at this stage. The meteorological department is closely monitoring the system and is expected to issue further updates on its intensity and movement as it develops.