The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Tuesday, May 13, that the southwest monsoon had advanced into parts of the south Bay of Bengal, the south Andaman Sea, the Nicobar Islands, and parts of the north Andaman Sea. This signalled an early phase of the monsoon's progression. The IMD added that conditions remained favourable for its further advance into additional areas, including the central Bay of Bengal, over the next three to four days.
At the same time, meteorological agencies were closely tracking the Bay of Bengal for potential cyclone formation. The IMD, along with regional experts, pointed to the presence of an upper air cyclonic circulation over the Andaman Sea. This could lead to the development of a low-pressure area between May 16 and 22. According to multiple forecasts, including one from Bangladeshi meteorologist Mostofa Kamal Palash, the system could intensify into a cyclone—provisionally named ‘Shakti’—between May 23 and 28. A possible landfall is expected between May 24 and 26, with Odisha and West Bengal in India, and Bangladesh’s Khulna and Chattogram regions identified as potentially vulnerable.
However, the IMD stressed that it was still too early to confirm whether the system would evolve into a cyclone, and that constant monitoring would continue. Meanwhile, the department forecast widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across several parts of the country, influenced by these developing weather systems.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)