Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated the possibility of the formation of an upper-air cyclonic circulation or a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal during the second week of May, though the chances of it intensifying into a cyclone remain low.

According to the 'North Indian Ocean Extended Range Outlook for Cyclogenesis' issued by IMD on May 7, favourable conditions may develop over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining west-central and southeast Bay of Bengal during the second half of Week 1 (May 8 to 14).

The weather agency said various large-scale environmental features, climatological conditions and model guidance suggest the likelihood of the development of an upper-air cyclonic circulation or low-pressure area over the region.

The outlook predicted a low probability of cyclogenesis, or the formation of a depression or a more intense weather system, over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal between May 13 and May 16.

The agency classified the probability of cyclogenesis as “low”, which means there is a 1 to 33 per cent chance of the system intensifying into a depression or cyclone.

As per IMD’s outlook, Week 1 covers the period from May 8 to May 14, while Week 2 extends from May 15 to May 21.

The Bay of Bengal usually witnesses the formation of weather systems during the pre-monsoon season, and meteorologists continue to monitor developments over the region closely.