Fresh Bay of Bengal Low to Bring Rain Relief to Drought-Hit Andhra Pradesh, Telangana from September 12

After a dry August and a scorching start to September, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are set for a weather shift in the second half of the month. IMD forecasts indicate a fresh cyclonic circulation is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal near the south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coasts around September 9-10, strengthening into a low-pressure area and maintaining intensity through mid-September.

Unlike August's systems, which moved toward the Gangetic plains, this one is expected to directly affect coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. An existing trough from south Telangana through Rayalaseema to Tamil Nadu is already triggering thunderstorms and gusty winds of 40-50 km/h. IMD bulletins point to isolated to scattered rain over Coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema, and Telangana from September 7-13, with the potential for more widespread rain later in the month if the system intensifies.

The rains come at a crucial time, with Kharif crops in both states facing moisture stress. Experts say sustained moderate-to-heavy rain could ease the rainfall deficit and improve groundwater and reservoir levels, though this depends on how the system develops.

Given flood and high-wind risks, the APSDMA and the Cyclone Warning Centre in Visakhapatnam are monitoring north coastal districts. District administrations have been told to activate control rooms, watch river embankments, and issue advisories for farmers and workers.