New Delhi: In the midst of an ever-growing number of COVID-19 cases, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Tuesday issued a forecast indicating the possible development of a cyclone in the Arabian Sea this week.
If realised, this will be the first cyclonic storm of 2021.
Global forecasts have indicated that a low-pressure area forming in the Arabian Sea will intensify into Cyclone Tauktae in the coming days.
While some models have the weather system progressing towards Oman or Pakistan, the European Ensemble Prediction System (EPS) predicts that the cyclone will make landfall at the Gujarat coast by May 17.
Following the indication, the Met department has issued a warning of light to moderate rainfall over Lakshadweep, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu from Thursday onward lasting till May 16.
“A low pressure area is very likely to form over the southeast Arabian Sea on the morning of May 14. It is likely to move north-northwestwards across this region adjoining Lakshadweep. It may intensify into a cyclonic storm around May 16,” the latest press statement issued by the IMD on Tuesday, stated.
Rough sea conditions are expected to develop starting Thursday, in view of which, fishermen from these coastal states have been warned against venturing into the sea from Friday onward. Those out in the sea have been urged to return to safety by Wednesday night.
In April 2019, Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Fani’ had battered Odisha and Super Cyclone ‘Amphan’ ravaged West Bengal in May 2020.
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