Cyclone around May 9; track, and intensity after low pressure develops, says IMD

Clearing the air, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday said that there is a possibility of the formation of a cyclone over the Bay of Bengal (BoB).

IMD Director General (DG) Mrutyunjay Mohapatra today informed that there is consensus over the formation of a low pressure and its intensification into a cyclone by May 9.

According to Mohapatra, the frequency of genesis of cyclones and depression is maximum in the summer season. As per the latest observations, a cyclonic circulation is likely to develop over the Southeast Bay of Bengal around  May 6, 2023. 

Under its influence, a low pressure area is likely to form over the same region around  May 7. It is likely to concentrate into a depression over Southeast Bay of Bengal on May 8, 2023.

"Thereafter, there is a good possibility of its intensification while moving nearly northwards towards central Bay of Bengal. Around May 9, it may intensify into a cyclonic storm,” said IMD DG.

According to Mohapatra, it will initially move nearly northwards towards Central Bay of Bengal.

“We have not specified its path and intensity and the area over the land where it is likely to hit. Once the low pressure forms, we will provide detailed predictions regarding landfall and its intensity. As of now, there is no such forecast for landfall over Indian coast,” said Mohapatra.

Initially, there will be squally weather and hence the fishermen should not venture into the southeast Bay of Bengal. No such alert has been issued for the east coast and only warning has been issued for fishermen community, said Mohapatra.

“No warning for rainfall or wind has been issued for Odisha in view of the possible cyclone. We are closely monitoring the developments. Only after the low pressure area forms, we will come up with a comprehensive forecast about intensity and path,” said Mohapatra.