New Delhi: tarts to make its presence felt across India, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant weather update amidst sporadic rains and lightning in several states. While the northeast monsoon season has made the Indian Ocean more volatile, a potential cyclonic storm is now raising alarms.
Northeast Monsoon Intensifies: Indian Ocean Sees Dormant Storm Activity
Typically, the northeast monsoon season marks heightened storm activity in the Indian Ocean, peaking in November. However, this year, the region has witnessed subdued activity, with only one significant storm so far Cyclone Dana.
Dana struck the Odisha coast near Dhamra Port on the night of October 24-25, 2024, as a severe Category-1 cyclone, leaving a trail of devastation in the Bay of Bengal’s coastal areas.
IMD Warns of a New Cyclone Brewing in Bay of Bengal
The IMD has now indicated that a new cyclonic system could form over the Andaman Sea south of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands around November 21, 2024. This low-pressure area is expected to intensify between November 22 and 23, with predictions pointing towards the formation of a depression by November 23.
Sri Lanka Braces for Impact: November 26-27 Target Dates
The weather system, if it strengthens as expected, is likely to track west-northwest, evolving into a cyclonic storm before hitting northern Sri Lanka on November 26 or 27.
However, the IMD has cautioned that it is still early to determine the storm’s exact path and intensity. The system’s trajectory will depend on atmospheric changes over the coming days.
A New Name on the Horizon: Cyclone Fengal
If the brewing system matures into a storm, it will be named Fengal, a title suggested by Saudi Arabia and pronounced as “Feenjal.” This would make it the second post-monsoon cyclone of the season.
Regional Impacts: Potential Deviations from the Usual Track
Historically, November cyclones originating in the Bay of Bengal tend to head toward northern Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, or West Bengal, often bringing Bangladesh within their influence. However, the IMD suggests this system may follow a different trajectory, potentially sparing the Indian coastline but putting Sri Lanka at greater risk.
India Prepares as Winter and Rains Collide
With winter setting in and sporadic rains creating a unique weather pattern, authorities are closely monitoring the evolving storm system. While the IMD’s forecasts remain preliminary, disaster preparedness teams in India and Sri Lanka are being alerted to brace for any eventualities.
The coming days will reveal whether Fengal becomes a full-fledged storm or dissipates as a mere depression, but the region is gearing up for what could be another climatic challenge this season.
