MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2024
Team Herald
A depression forming over the central Bay of Bengal is on the brink of escalating, potentially transforming into a severe cyclonic storm dubbed 'Remal.' The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Friday that it is anticipated to make landfall between Sagar Island and Khepupara, crossing Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts around midnight on May 26, with wind speeds ranging from 110-120 kmph, gusting up to 130 kmph.
According to the IMD's forecast track for Cyclone Remal, the depression is expected to track northeastward, gaining strength over the east-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of May 25. Progressing nearly northward, it is projected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by May 25 night before crossing the coast on May 26 at midnight.
The name 'Remal,' bestowed by Oman, marks this as the first cyclone of the pre-monsoon season in the region. In light of the impending cyclonic activity, the IMD has issued advisories, urging fishermen to avoid venturing into the south Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea until May 24, the central Bay of Bengal until May 26, and the North Bay of Bengal from May 25 to May 27. The IMD stressed the importance of fishermen returning to the coast, warning of rough to very rough sea conditions.
Heavy rainfall is also expected due to the cyclonic impact, with the IMD forecasting light to moderate rainfall in most areas and heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated regions of coastal districts in West Bengal and adjoining districts of North Odisha on May 26-27. Additionally, isolated instances of extremely heavy rainfall are likely over coastal districts of West Bengal on May 26.
In the Arabian Sea, the effects of the cyclone are anticipated albeit in a diminished capacity. The low-pressure area over the southeast Arabian Sea off the Kerala coast has weakened, with the associated cyclonic circulation now lying over the south Kerala neighbourhood, extending up to middle tropospheric levels as of May 24, 2024.
