East coast might witness cyclone likely to hit Bengal and Odisha on May 26: IMD

Days after cyclone Tauktae wrecked the west coast of the Indian subcontinent, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed that another cyclone is likely to hit the east coast by May 26-27, following the formation of a low-pressure area over the north Andaman Sea and adjoining Bay of Bengal around May 22.

"It is very likely to intensify gradually into a cyclonic storm during the subsequent 72 hours. It is very likely to move northwestwards and reach West Bengal - Odisha coasts around 26th May evening," the Cyclone Warning Division of the IMD said.

While the southwest monsoon is likely to advance over the south Andaman Sea and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal around May 21 following the strengthening of southwesterly winds over the region, other atmospheric and oceanic conditions are favourable for persistent cloudiness over the Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of east-central and southeast Bay of Bengal around May 22.

This would help create low pressure in the region, which is likely to create light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at isolated places in Andaman and Nicobar islands on May 22 and 23.

Odisha, West Bengal, Assam and Meghalaya are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall at most places and heavy fall at particular places, which are likely to start from May 25 evening. The intensity will increase substantially.

Pre-monsoon months usually witness the formation of cyclones on both coasts. India witnessed two severe cyclones- Amphan and Nisarga - in May 2020 last year.