Bhubaneswar: A cyclonic storm is likely to form over Bay of Bengal by the evening of May 16, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted today.

Under the influence of a cyclonic circulation over south Andaman Sea, a low pressure area has formed over southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Andaman Sea. It is very likely to concentrate into a depression over central parts of south Bay of Bengal on May 15 and further intensify into a cyclonic storm over southwest and adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal by May 16 evening, the IMD said.

It is very likely to move northwestwards initially till May 17 and then re­curve north­-northeastwards, it added.

"Squally winds, speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph is likely to prevail over south and adjoining central Bay of Bengal on 15th May 2020, 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph over the same region on 16th May. Wind speed is likely to increase further becoming Gale force winds speed reaching 65-75 kmph gusting to 85 kmph over southwest and adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal from the evening of 16th May. Sea condition will be becoming very rough to high over southwest and adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal from 16th May evening," the IMD said in a bulletin.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into south and central Bay of Bengal from May 15. Those who are out at sea over these regions have been advised to return to coasts by tomorrow.

However, there is no weather warning for Odisha in association with this low pressure system for next 5 days (till 17th May, 2020), the Regional Meteorological Centre said.