The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted the development of a cyclonic storm, Cyclone Mocha, in the southeast Bay of Bengal. The cyclonic storm is expected to reach the eastern coast of the country between May 7 and May 9. A low pressure area is likely to form in the southeast Bay of Bengal on May 7 and develop into a depression on May 8. Subsequently, it is expected to strengthen into a cyclonic storm and move northwards towards central Bay of Bengal by May 9.
Fishermen have been advised not to enter the southeast Bay of Bengal and nearby areas from May 7 onwards due to Cyclone Mocha. The Head Scientist of the MeT center in Bhubaneswar, HR Biswas, warned fishermen, small ships, boats, and trawlers to avoid the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjacent areas from May 7 and central Bay of Bengal from May 9 onwards.
The IMD has cautioned tourists and travelers about adverse weather conditions, with squally weather and heavy rainfall expected over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from May 8 to May 11. Authorities have recommended regulating tourism, offshore activities, and shipping in the area during this period.
According to the IMD’s Tropical Weather Outlook, the IMD-GFS weather model suggests that the system may move towards the Bangladesh-Myanmar coast and intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm category. The model indicates a north-northwestwards movement until May 10, followed by a northeastward re-curvature towards the southeast Bangladesh and adjoining Myanmar coasts.
While no specific warning has been issued for Odisha by the IMD, the government has placed collectors and officials of coastal and adjacent districts on alert. District administrations, along with NDRF, ODRAF, and other agencies, are prepared for any potential impact.
Regarding the weather forecast for the upcoming days, thunderstorms and rainfall are expected to persist over most parts of India. Northwest India, including the western Himalayan regions, is likely to experience a fresh spell of rainfall, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds, until Sunday. Hailstorms and heavy rain are forecasted at isolated locations in Haryana and Punjab until May 7.
Heavy rainfall is anticipated in Arunachal Pradesh on May 5, and in Andaman and Nicobar Islands on May 7 and 8. Additionally, heavy downpours are expected at isolated spots in Kerala, Mahe, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal on May 5, and in South Interior Karnataka on May 7 and 8.
Fortunately, there are no indications of heat wave conditions prevailing in any part of the country over the next five days. (With PTI inputs)
