🇮🇳 Trending in India · 26 October 2026
What is Cyclone Arnab, and why is it heading for Andhra Pradesh?
What is Cyclone Arnab?
Arnab is a cyclone forming over the Bay of Bengal in late October 2026. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects it to become a severe cyclonic storm around the morning of Tuesday, October 27. It should then move northwest and grow into a very severe cyclonic storm before it reaches the coast.
Where will it make landfall?
The IMD expects landfall on the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam. By the forenoon of Wednesday, October 28, it could have maximum sustained winds of 115–125 km/h, with gusts up to 140 km/h. Heavy to very heavy rain is forecast over coastal Andhra Pradesh from October 27 to 29.
Odisha and other states on alert
The storm will cross the coast in Andhra Pradesh, but the IMD says southern Odisha will also get very heavy rain and strong winds. The Odisha government has cancelled leave for all disaster staff and put 225 rescue teams on high alert. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has also told officials to stay on high alert, and parts of West Bengal are preparing for heavy rain.
What does the name 'Arnab' mean?
Arnab means 'ocean' in Bengali. Bangladesh suggested the name for the agreed list of cyclone names used in the north Indian Ocean. Names on this list are used in a fixed order, and Arnab was the next unused one.
Why wasn't the September system named Arnab?
In September 2026, a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal crossed the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast near Kalingapatnam. People expected it to be called Arnab, but the IMD never upgraded it to a cyclonic storm. Only storms that reach cyclonic storm strength get a name, so the name stayed unused until this October system.
Quick points
Quick quiz
1. Which country suggested the cyclone name 'Arnab'?
2. What does the word 'Arnab' mean in Bengali?
3. Between which two places is Cyclone Arnab expected to make landfall?
