BHUBANESWAR: The depression over Bay of Bengal moved northwards and would continue over the same track before intensifying on Friday. The system, which is likely to take a northeast direction, is expected to trigger moderate to heavy rainfall over the next two days as it heads towards Bangladesh.
The system, lying over west-central Bay of Bengal and tracked at a speed of about 6 km per hour, was lying centered at about 490 km south-south-west of Paradip till the last bulletin was issued by India Meteorological Department (IMD).
However, latest conditions indicate that the system may not intensify into a cyclonic storm as a vertical wind shear to the north and west of the depression may prevent it from concentrating.
The system will move northwards for some more time and then re-curve gradually north-eastwards towards Bangladesh coast during the subsequent 48 hours. It is expected to intensify into a deep depression during next 24 hours.
Under its impact, rain and thundershowers are likely to occur at most places over coastal Odisha and at a few places over interior districts during next 48 hours. Heavy to very heavy showers are very likely at some places of coastal districts.
In the last 24 hours, most of the coastal Odisha received showers. Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda and Ganjam were hit by continuous showers. As the system progresses towards Bangladesh running parallel to the coast, the coast will be hit by more showers.
So far, Distant Cautionary Signal Number-I has been hoisted at all ports as squally and gusty surface wind from north-easterly direction reaching a speed of 45 km per hour to 55 km per hour may prevail along and off the coast. Sea condition is expected to be very rough and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.