Bhubaneswar, Feb. 20 -- A low-pressure area over the Equatorial Indian Ocean and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal persisted over the same region at 8:30 AM IST on February 19. According to the latest meteorological update, the system is expected to move west-northwestwards towards Sri Lanka and gradually weaken over the next 24 hours.

Even as the existing low pressure system weakens, meteorologists have indicated the formation of a fresh weather system. An upper-air cyclonic circulation has developed over the Equatorial Indian Ocean and the adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal, extending up to the middle troposphere as of 8:30 AM IST on February 19.

Under its influence, a new low-pressure area is likely to form over the same region within...