The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather update on the potential formation of Cyclone Shakti over the Bay of Bengal. Experts have warned that there is a strong likelihood of the system intensifying into a cyclone between May 23 and May 28.
In an announcement made on Tuesday, the IMD revealed that an upper air cyclonic circulation has been detected over the Andaman Sea, which could lead to the formation of a low-pressure system between May 16 and May 22. This system, according to weather forecasts, may intensify into Cyclone Shakti. Although the IMD has not confirmed the cyclone’s formation, they have noted that conditions are favorable for its development.
The IMD further explained that the southwest monsoon has officially begun, with the monsoon’s influence now spreading across parts of the south Andaman Sea, Nicobar Islands, and the south Bay of Bengal. The monsoon is expected to continue advancing, reaching the Arabian Sea, Maldives, Comorin area, and the Bay of Bengal between May 16 and 17.
Rainfall Alerts Issued
As the cyclone’s formation remains uncertain, the IMD has predicted several weather conditions in its wake. These include widespread moderate rainfall across Northeast India until May 17, with isolated moderate showers expected in regions such as Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathawada, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Rayalaseema, Telangana, Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.
In addition to this, the IMD has forecast scattered rainfall in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, and Jharkhand until May 17. Heavy rainfall is expected in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands until May 16.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for several districts of Karnataka, warning residents to prepare for pre-monsoon showers until May 16.
Heatwave and Thunderstorm Warnings
The IMD has also issued a warning for heatwave conditions in isolated pockets of Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand from May 14 to May 15. Heatwave conditions are also likely in parts of Uttar Pradesh until May 19 and in West Rajasthan from May 15 to May 17.
In Kolkata, the weather forecast for Wednesday predicts a partly cloudy sky, with a possibility of thunderstorms and light to moderate rain later in the evening.
As the situation develops, residents in cyclone-prone areas are urged to stay updated with official alerts from the IMD and take necessary precautions.
Sources By Agencies