'May Cyclone' in Odisha: How and why cyclones often batter the state in summer

Every summer, as temperatures rise and the Bay of Bengal heats up, Odisha prepares itself for a familiar threat: cyclones. The state, lying on India’s eastern coastline, is especially vulnerable to tropical storms during the pre-monsoon months of April and May. This seasonal exposure has historically translated into repeated episodes of destruction, evacuation, and reconstruction.

Cyclones That Made Headlines in May

Cyclone Fani (May 2019):

Making landfall near Puri on May 3, Cyclone Fani was one of the most intense cyclonic storms to strike India in recent decades.

With wind speeds exceeding 200 km/h it caused immense damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and power supply. Over 1.5 million people were evacuated in one of India’s largest pre-emptive efforts. Damages were estimated at Rs 24,000 crore, counting all impacted regions.

Cyclone Amphan (May 2020):

Although it primarily impacted West Bengal, Amphan had a spillover effect in northern Odisha. It intensified into a super cyclonic storm and claimed over 130 lives across both states, with combined damages exceeding Rs 1500 crore.

Cyclone Yaas (May 2021):

Making landfall in the Balasore district, Yaas carried wind speeds of up to 140 km/h. It flooded low-lying areas, damaged thousands of homes, and severely affected the Bhitarkanika ecosystem.

Economic loss was pegged at Rs 610 crore in Odisha alone.

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Why Cyclones Form in May and Target Odisha

Warm Bay Waters: During April and May, sea surface temperatures in the Bay of Bengal exceed 28°C, creating ideal conditions for cyclonic formations.

Wind Shear and Atmospheric Instability: The pre-monsoon period experiences erratic winds and unstable air masses, helping low-pressure systems evolve into full-fledged cyclones.

Coastal Topography: Odisha’s long and flat coastline makes it an easy target for landfall compared to other states.

The Human and Economic Toll

Repeated summer cyclones have left an indelible mark on Odisha’s socio-economic fabric:

Displacement and Shelter: Each cyclone season displaces lakhs, forcing them into temporary shelters.

Agricultural Loss: Standing crops, particularly paddy and betel leaves, are frequently destroyed.

Power and Communication Breakdowns: High winds damage electric grids and mobile towers, cutting off entire districts for days.

Despite these challenges, Odisha has earned international praise for its efficient cyclone management, especially after the 1999 super cyclone that killed over 10,000 people.

What About Cyclone Shakti?

In early May 2025, speculation emerged around a potential cyclonic development in the Bay of Bengal, which, if formed, would have been named Cyclone Shakti.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) closely monitored a low-pressure system over the southeast Bay. However, the IMD has now categorically ruled out any impact of Cyclone Shakti on Odisha, noting that the system is likely to move northeastwards, sparing the state entirely.

For a region so accustomed to the fury of summer cyclones, the all-clear on Cyclone Shakti has brought temporary relief.

Still, the broader concern about rising sea temperatures and their role in strengthening future storms remains a serious climate warning for coastal Odisha.