The brewing Cyclone ‘Tej’ in the Arabian Sea is set to intensify and develop into a ‘severe cyclonic storm’ by Sunday evening, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cyclone, which initially started as a low-pressure area over the southeast and southwest Arabian Sea, has already evolved into a depression.
As per the IMD’s recent update, the deep depression over the southwestern Arabian Sea has moved west-northwest and is currently situated approximately 820 km east-southeast of Socotra, Yemen, and 1100 km south-southeast of Salalah Airport, Oman. The IMD’s forecast indicates that ‘Tej’ is expected to further intensify into a ‘severe cyclonic storm’ by the evening of October 22.
Here are key details regarding Cyclone ‘Tej’:
- Intensifying Cyclone: ‘Tej’ is projected to transform into a severe cyclonic storm by Sunday and is forecasted to move towards the south coasts of Oman and adjoining Yemen. The cyclone received its name, ‘Tej,’ in accordance with India’s cyclone naming protocol.
- Sea Conditions: The IMD has issued advisories regarding sea conditions. Very rough to high sea conditions prevail in the Southwest Arabian Sea and are expected to escalate to high to phenomenal levels between October 21 and 23. The western Arabian Sea will likely experience very rough sea conditions from October 22 to 25. Moderate to rough sea conditions are forecasted for the Southwest, west-central, and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal on October 21, with a transition to rough to very rough conditions on October 23. Along the coasts of Odisha, West Bengal, and Bangladesh, rough to very rough sea conditions are expected from October 24 to 26.
- Safety Measures: An advisory from the IMD urges fishermen not to venture into the sea and recommends those already at sea to return to the coast for their safety.
- Impact on Gujarat: The cyclonic storm’s path is predicted to move west-northwest, which suggests that it may not have a direct impact on Gujarat. An IMD official explained, “Since the cyclone would move towards west-northwest, it may not have any impact on Gujarat (which lies to the east). Weather in Gujarat will remain dry for the next seven days.”
- Rainfall and Weather Impact: The IMD foresees light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds over Kerala on October 23 and 24. Similar weather conditions are expected over Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura on October 24.
Cyclone ‘Tej’ underscores the significance of monitoring weather systems in the Arabian Sea region, with the IMD and relevant authorities issuing crucial advisories to ensure the safety of residents and maritime activities in the affected areas.
Sources By Agencies
