Part of: National Current Affairs · See also: UPSC syllabus · UKPSC syllabus
Cyclone Arnab formed over the Bay of Bengal in the early hours of 26 October 2026. Notably, it is the first cyclonic storm of 2026 in the North Indian Ocean. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects it to become a very severe cyclonic storm. Hence, coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha are on high alert.
How the Storm Formed
First, a low-pressure area formed over the south-east Bay of Bengal on 23 October. Then it became a depression on 24 October and a deep depression on 25 October. Finally, it turned into a cyclonic storm on 26 October.
Landfall Forecast Between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam
According to IMD, the storm will cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam. It should do so by the forenoon of Wednesday, 28 October. Meanwhile, IMD issued red alerts for Kakinada, Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru and Yanam. Also, it warned of a storm surge of 1 to 1.5 metres above the astronomical tide. Notably, Kakinada and Yanam face the highest surge risk.
Who Named Cyclone Arnab?
Interestingly, Bangladesh proposed the name “Arnab”, which means “ocean” in Bengali. It comes from a list of 169 names adopted in April 2020. The WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones adopted this list. Each of its 13 member countries gave 13 names. However, only a system reaching cyclonic storm strength gets a name.
How IMD Classifies Cyclones
IMD grades systems by maximum sustained wind speed. For example, a cyclonic storm has winds of 62–88 km/h. Next, a severe cyclonic storm has 89–117 km/h. Then a very severe cyclonic storm has 118–166 km/h.
Latest Update (27 October 2026)
IMD said Arnab became a very severe cyclonic storm on the night of 26 October. At 2:30 pm on 27 October, it lay about 170 km south of Visakhapatnam. Now IMD expects landfall close to south of Yanam around 11:30 am on 28 October. Also, it forecasts landfall winds of 125–135 km/h, gusting to 150 km/h. Meanwhile, NDRF has deployed 31 teams across Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Odisha, Telangana and Chhattisgarh. As of 27 October evening, landfall had not yet taken place.
Cyclone Arnab: Key Facts for Revision
- Formed: 26 October 2026, Bay of Bengal
- Landfall forecast: between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam
- Name: proposed by Bangladesh; means “ocean”
- Naming body: WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones
Why Cyclone Arnab Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, cyclone naming and IMD categories appear often in prelims. So, remember the naming panel, the 13 member countries and the wind categories. For official updates, also visit IMD. Next, for a related story, read about the 2026 southwest monsoon forecast.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.