Bhubaneswar: A low pressure area may form over southeast and adjoining central parts of Bay of Bengal around October 20 with 'moderate' chances of cyclogenesis (formation of depression or higher intensity), the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said today.

The low pressure area may move west-northwestwards and concentrate into a depression over west-central Bay of Bengal during beginning of the 'week 2' (October 21 to 27), the agency predicted.

"There is likelihood of formation of a cyclonic circulation over north Andaman Sea and neighbourhood around 17th/ 18th October with west-northwestwards movement and further intensification into a low pressure area by 20th October over southeast and adjoining central parts of Bay of Bengal," the IMD said in its North Indian Ocean Extended Range Outlook for Cyclogenesis.

"Further, there is moderate probability (34-67%) that the low pressure area would move west-northwestwards and concentrate into a depression over west-central Bay of Bengal during beginning of the week 2," the outlook added.

Amid speculation regarding the formation of Cyclone ‘Sitrang’ over the Bay of Bengal, the IMD had yesterday termed it as a rumour and advised people to stay away from it.

“The IMD hasn’t made any forecast regarding cyclone. It is scientifically not possible to make any weather-related prediction before seven days of the occurrence,” IMD, Bhubaneswar had tweeted.

The “rumour” emerged after Mostafa Kamal Palash, a PhD researcher on weather and climate at Saskatchewan University in Canada, made a prediction in this regard.

“A depression is likely to form on 17 October, which is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by 18 October,” Mostafa Kamal Palash was quoted as saying by Business Standard.

The cyclone may make its landfall anywhere between Andhra Pradesh and Bangladesh, said Palash.

Citing the prediction by the GFS model, Palash further said that the system may become a super cyclone.

Its wind speed can be similar to that of Cyclone Amphan, he added.