Bhubaneswar: The depression over westcentral Bay of Bengal may intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 24, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD)
“The depression over westcentral Bay of Bengal lay centered at 2.30 am on October 22, about 610 km south of Paradip (Odisha), 760 km south of Digha (West Bengal), and 980 km SSW of Khepupara (Bangladesh),” the weather agency tweeted this morning.
The system is likely to further intensify into a deep depression during next 24 hours and then move northwestwards during next 12 hours, then recurve and move north-northeastwards during subsequent 3 days towards Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts, it added.
According to the forecast track and intensity of the system, it is likely to become a cyclonic storm by October 24.
If this system intensifies into cyclone, it will be called Hamoon, a name given by Iran.
Under its influence, light to moderate rainfall is likely at a few places in coastal Odisha on October 23 and at many places in the region on October 24-25.
Squally wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely on October 23 and gradually increase becoming gale wind speed reaching 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph from October 24-26 along and off Odisha coast. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into westcentral Bay of Bengal till October 25, adjoining eastcentral & southeast Bay of Bengal till October 23 and North Bay of Bengal and along & off Odisha, West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts from October 24-26.
In view of light to moderate rainfall activity over coastal districts of Odisha, ongoing harvest of matured paddy crops (early to medium duration variety) and vegetables may be completed before October 23, it added.
The IMD further informed that the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Tej lay centered at 5.30 am over westcentral & adjoining southwest Arabian Sea, about 240 km ESE of Socotra (Yemen), 600 km SSE of Salalah (Oman), and 620 km SE of Al Ghaidah (Yemen). It is very likely to intensify further into an Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm in the forenoon of October 22.