The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday said a low-pressure system has developed in the Bay of Bengal which is likely to transform into a cyclonic storm and move nearly northwards and reach Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts by May 26.

The cyclone has been named Remal.

IMD said the system will transform into a severe cyclonic storm.

" An upper air cyclonic circulation in lower tropospheric levels developed over southwest Bay of Bengal in the early morning (0530 hours IST) of 21st May, 2024. Under its influence a low pressure area formed over southwest and adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal in the early morning (0530 hours IST) of 22nd May, 2024," IMD said in a statement.

"It moved northeastwards and lay as a well-marked low pressure area over westcentral & adjoining south Bay of Bengal in the morning (0830 hours IST) of today, the 23rd May, 2024," the warning said.

IMD said light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places is likely over coastal districts of West Bengal and adjoining districts of North Odisha on 26th and 27th May.  

"Light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places is likely over Mizoram, Tripura and South Manipur on 26th and 27th May," the statement said.

Fishermen Warning

"Fishermen are advised not to venture into south Bay of Bengal till 24th May, central Bay of Bengal till 26th May and North Bay of Bengal from 24th May onwards till morning of 27th May. Fishermen out at sea are advised to return to the coast," IMD said.