An intense cyclone is currently forming in the Bay of Bengal and is anticipated to impact the Indian states of Odisha, Maharashtra, and Gujarat between May 23 and May 27, according to Mumbai Nowcast. Meteorological models predict heavy rains in Gujarat and Mumbai around May 28.
The cyclone, gaining strength, is expected to make landfall on the eastern coast before moving westward, affecting a broad area of the country. While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has not yet issued an official announcement on the cyclone, it has noted the likelihood of heatwave conditions in isolated pockets over Gangetic West Bengal on May 18 and 19, Odisha from May 19 to 21, and Gujarat from May 17 to 18.
Similar heatwave conditions are expected to prevail in Bihar from May 17 to 19 and Jharkhand from May 18 to 21. The IMD also forecasted severe heatwave conditions across major parts of northern India, including Delhi and Punjab. “Heatwave conditions are very likely in isolated or some pockets over Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh during May 17 to 21; north Madhya Pradesh during May 18 to 21. Severe heatwave conditions are also very likely in some parts of west Rajasthan during May 17 to 21; Punjab, Haryana-Delhi during May 18 to 21,” the weather department noted.
As the cyclone intensifies, the IMD is expected to issue alerts for the coastal regions, advising residents to prepare for severe weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding.