Cyclone ‘Shakti’ May Brew in Bay of Bengal, Might Impact Odisha

Bhubaneswar, May 14: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert about a potential cyclonic system named “Shakti” impacting Odisha. The IMD has announced that conditions are gradually becoming favourable for the formation of a low-pressure area, which may intensify into a cyclone between May 23 and May 28.

The IMD anticipates the formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal between May 16 and 22, which may potentially develop into a cyclone. If it does, the system will be named “Shakti.” The department, however, cautioned that it is still too early to confirm whether the system will strengthen into a cyclonic storm.

While the trajectory and intensity remain uncertain, experts have pointed out a high probability of Cyclone Shakti affecting eastern coastal states, particularly Odisha and West Bengal, if it takes shape. 

According to the latest update, an upper air cyclonic circulation has been observed over the southwest Bay of Bengal adjoining the Tamil Nadu coast at 1.5 km above mean sea level as of early Wednesday morning. This development follows the official onset of the southwest monsoon, which has reached parts of the south Andaman Sea, Nicobar Islands, south Bay of Bengal, and the northern Andaman Sea.