PUNE: Cyclone Shakti Intensifies Over Arabian Sea
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the season’s first cyclonic storm in the Arabian Sea has intensified into ‘Cyclone Shakti’ as of Friday. The storm is currently situated approximately 250 kilometers west-southwest of Dwarka, Gujarat, and is forecasted to evolve into a severe cyclonic storm by Saturday.
Forecasters indicate that while the cyclone may strengthen, significant impacts on the Indian mainland are unlikely. However, rough sea conditions are expected over the weekend. As of 11:30 AM Friday, Cyclone Shakti was located in the northeast Arabian Sea at latitude 21.7°N and longitude 66.8°E, approximately 270 kilometers southwest of Naliya, 300 kilometers west of Porbandar, and 360 kilometers south of Karachi. The storm is tracking northwest at a speed of 8 km/h and is anticipated to move west-southwest towards the central Arabian Sea, likely arriving at central parts of the north and adjoining central Arabian Sea by October 5.
Despite its expected intensification into a severe cyclone, forecasters predict it will weaken significantly before nearing Gujarat’s coastline. Rainfall is anticipated in parts of Gujarat, but no major impacts are expected on Indian territories, as noted by a weather blogger from Vagaries of Weather. Independent forecaster Abhijit Modak also suggested that the storm’s remnants may lead to some rain in Saurashtra and Kutch.
An IMD official confirmed that the storm’s trajectory is directed away from the Indian landmass, issuing a warning that while there won’t be a direct impact, rough sea conditions will persist. Fishermen are advised against venturing out into the sea.
The IMD has reported that sea conditions are currently very rough to high over the northwest Arabian Sea, including the northeastern and central Arabian Sea, until the afternoon of October 3. High to very high seas are expected between October 4 and 6. Furthermore, rough to very rough seas are projected along the coasts of Gujarat-north Maharashtra and Pakistan until October 5.
In related weather developments, light to moderate rain and storms are likely across most areas of Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada on October 3-4, influenced by a depression over interior Odisha.
