New Delhi: A cyclone could develop over southeast Bay of Bengal around 9 May, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said Wednesday, although information about its intensity and landfall are not yet known.
The Met department has warned fisher folk of being cautious before venturing into the sea.
The IMD has said a cyclonic circulation will form over southeast Bay of Bengal by 6 May, which could develop into a low pressure area the next day. This is likely to become a
depression on 8 May.
“Thereafter, there is a good possibility of its intensification while moving nearly northwards towards central Bay of Bengal,” the IMD said in a statement Wednesday, adding, “The
details of its path and intensification will be provided after the formation of low pressure area. The system is under constant watch and being monitored regularly.”
IMD Director General Mritunjay Mohapatra said people were being alerted about the possible “cyclonic storm” so that they could take adequate preparation.
“We are informing that a cyclone is expected to develop over Southeast Bay of Bengal and under its influence, we expect squally weather with a wind speed of 40 to 50 kmph — gusting to 60 kmph — over Southeast Bay of Bengal from 7 May onwards. Therefore, fishermen should not move towards the southeast Bay of Bengal. Those who are there should evacuate before 7 May. There is no warning or alert over the east coast. This is information so that ships and fishermen can be watchful,” Mohapatra said during a media briefing.
Details of where the cyclone would land or its intensity will be clearer in the days to come. Should it form, it will be the first this year and will be called “Cyclone Mocha”.
The IMD has also said a fresh wet spell is likely over northwest India in the next 24 hours, with a western disturbance forecast to set in on 5 May. The western disturbance is likely to bring more rain with it, the forecast said.
According to The Weather Channel, the sea surface temperatures in the Bay of Bengal are hovering around 30 degrees Celsius or more, which are “favourable for the formation and
intensification of a low-pressure system, a process called cyclogenesis”.
It is not unusual for cyclones to form at this time of the year, with peak cyclone season falling between April and December.
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