The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced the early arrival of the southwest monsoon, marking its entry into the southern Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Sea, the Nicobar Islands, and parts of the northern Andaman region. According to officials, favourable atmospheric conditions could push the monsoon conditions further into the central Bay of Bengal and across the remaining parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands within the next few days.

But while the country awaits the much-needed rains, eyes are also on a potentially brewing storm that could disrupt life along the eastern coast.

Cyclone Shakti

On May 13, the IMD has detected an upper air cyclonic circulation hovering above the Andaman Sea, stretching from about 1.5 km to 7.6 km above sea level and tilting southwestward with height.

Meteorologists are closely monitoring this system, which could evolve into a low-pressure area between May 16 and 22.

Should it intensify, and the conditions appear increasingly favourable, it might strengthen into a cyclonic storm between May 23 and May 28. If named, the system will be called 'Cyclone Shakti', a name proposed by Sri Lanka.

Potential Impact Zones: Who's At Risk?

Early forecasts suggest that if Cyclone Shakti forms, it could make landfall between May 24 and 26. Odisha and West Bengal in India, as well as Khulna and Chattogram in Bangladesh, have been identified as potential impact zones. These areas could experience intense rainfall, high-speed winds, and coastal flooding, especially in the low-lying regions.

Emergency services and government agencies in both countries are ramping up preparedness efforts. Local administrations have advised residents in high-risk zones to identify nearby shelters, stay updated through reliable sources, and stock up on essentials in case evacuation becomes necessary.

Rainfall Across India

While the cyclone threat looms, widespread rainfall is already making its presence felt across the country. The IMD has issued forecasts predicting moderate showers and thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds in several northern regions, including Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and East Rajasthan, through mid-May.

Northeastern states are expected to bear the brunt of heavier rainfall, with the IMD warning of isolated downpours in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya from May 12 to 16.

These areas may see very heavy rainfall on May 13 and 14. Similarly, Tripura is expected to receive intense showers on May 12 and 13, with adjoining states like Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura also on alert through May 15.

Meanwhile, southern and central regions, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh, are likely to receive pre-monsoon showers, adding to the complex weather picture unfolding across India.

These areas may see very heavy rainfall on May 13 and 14. Similarly, Tripura is expected to receive intense showers on May 12 and 13, with adjoining states like Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura also on alert through May 15.

Meanwhile, southern and central regions, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh, are likely to receive pre-monsoon showers, adding to the complex weather picture unfolding across India.