Second cyclone this week headed towards India’s east coast

If realised, this storm will be the second to form in 2021 and the first over the Bay of Bengal this year. Once the cyclone forms, it will acquire the name Yaas, given by Oman.

A low pressure area formed over east-central Bay of Bengal. (File photo)

Another cyclone is headed towards India, this time along its east coast. Officials at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Wednesday that a low pressure system could take birth within the next 48 hours and holds the potential to intensify into a cyclone.

This system will develop close to the north Andaman Sea around May 22 and reach either Odisha or West Bengal by the evening of May 26. If realised, this storm will be the second to form in 2021 and the first over the Bay of Bengal this year. Once the cyclone forms, it will acquire the name Yaas, given by Oman.

On May 17, ‘Extremely Severe Cyclone’ Tauktae hit southern Gujarat and its remnants continue to head towards the plains of north India.

Even though there is a storm brewing close by, ocean and atmospheric conditions are favourable for the advancement of the southwest monsoon over the south Andaman Sea on May 21.

New Low Pressure area likely to form in Bay of Bengal around 22 May To intensify into a Cyclonic Storm and reach West Bengal and Odisha Coast by 26 May. Sea conditions to remain rough in Bay of Bengal from 21 May onwards. Fishermen requested to return to shores.#CycloneAlert pic.twitter.com/eHnInU33y2

— NDMA India | राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन प्राधिकरण 🇮🇳 (@ndmaindia) May 19, 2021

“In association with the strengthening and deepening of south-westerly winds over the region, the Southwest monsoon is likely to advance over south Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of the Bay of Bengal. Other atmospheric and ocean factors in addition to the sea surface temperatures are favourable for convection,” according to the IMD’s latest update.

The Met department has forecast heavy rain along the Andaman and Nicobar islands on May 22 and 23. Rainfall will commence over Odisha, West Bengal, Meghalaya and Assam from May 25.

With sea conditions turning rough in the coming days, fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea from May 21 onwards. Those at sea are advised to return to safety before May 23.

Last year, Super Cyclone Amphan had crossed West Bengal and caused severe damage across Kolkata, 24 North and South Parganas before heading towards Bangladesh.

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