A low pressure area formed over the Indian Ocean and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal which could develop into this year's first cyclone "Asani".

The cyclone could also move towards the coasts of Bangladesh and northern Myanmar by the morning of March 23, reports our New Delhi correspondent quoting the Indian meteorological department (IMD).

The low-pressure area is likely to move and become a well-marked low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea around March 19 and thereafter it is likely to move north-north-westwards along and off Andaman and Nicobar Islands and intensify into a depression by the morning of March 20, the Indian met department website added.

It could turn into a cyclonic storm on March 21, it also stated.

The upcoming cyclone was given the name "Asani" by Sri Lanka.

The IMD said under the impact of the cyclone, scattered to fairly widespread rainfall are likely over Andaman and Nicobar Islands during 16th-20th March.

The IMD advised fishermen not to venture into central parts of south Bay of Bengal and adjoining equatorial Indian Ocean on 16th March and into southeast Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea area areas during 17th-18th March.

Fishermen are also advised not to venture into southeast Bay of Bengal during 19th to 21st March and into Andaman Sea and along & off Andaman and Nicobar Islands during 19th to 22nd March.

"Our models indicate Asani may cross Bangladesh or adjoining north Myanmar coasts. But it is also too early to say what will be the trajectory. All conditions are favourable for formation and intensification of the cyclone," our New Delhi correspondent added quoting an IMD official.