As the first cyclonic storm of the season gathers momentum in the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issues a pre-cyclone watch for West Bengal. Expected to intensify over the next three days, the storm is poised to approach the Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coast by May 26 evening.
Originating as a low-pressure area over the southwest and west-central Bay of Bengal on May 22, the system has steadily progressed northeastward. By Thursday morning, it had significantly strengthened, with forecasts indicating further intensification into a depression over central parts of the Bay of Bengal by Friday morning, May 24.
IMD’s forecast outlines the trajectory, foreseeing the system evolving into a cyclonic storm over the east-central Bay of Bengal by May 25 morning. Its subsequent northward movement is expected to culminate in a near-landfall scenario near Bangladesh and adjacent West Bengal coasts by May 26 evening, potentially as a severe cyclonic storm.
Anticipating the storm’s impact, the IMD warns of heavy rain along coastal districts and the likelihood of squally winds reaching 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, along and off the Bangladesh, West Bengal, and adjoining North Odisha coasts from May 25 evening.
Vulnerable regions, such as the North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and East Medinipur in West Bengal, along with Odisha’s Balasore district, are advised to brace for adverse weather conditions, with potential light to moderate rainfall and heavy downpours over specific areas.
In preparation, warnings have been issued to fishermen, advising against venturing into the south Bay of Bengal until May 24 and the North Bay of Bengal from May 24 to May 27. Additionally, residents in cyclone-prone districts are urged to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.
As India eagerly awaits relief from intense heatwaves, the arrival of the southwest monsoon is keenly anticipated. The IMD predicts its onset over the Kerala coast around May 31, with gradual progression across the country expected by July 8.
With the looming threat of the cyclonic storm, the focus remains on ensuring preparedness and minimizing potential damage to life and property in vulnerable regions.
