Goa, May 13 -- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Tuesday, May 13, that the southwest monsoon had advanced into parts of the south Bay of Bengal, the south Andaman Sea, the Nicobar Islands, and parts of the north Andaman Sea. This signalled an early phase of the monsoon's progression. The IMD added that conditions remained favourable for its further advance into additional areas, including the central Bay of Bengal, over the next three to four days.

At the same time, meteorological agencies were closely tracking the Bay of Bengal for potential cyclone formation. The IMD, along with regional experts, pointed to the presence of an upper air cyclonic circulation over the Andaman Sea. This could lead to the development of...