The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and other sources provide the following details on the potential Cyclone Shakti in the Bay of Bengal as of May 22, 2025:
- Current Status: The IMD has identified an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the Andaman Sea, which may develop into a low-pressure area (LPA) between May 16 and May 22. This system has the potential to intensify into a cyclonic storm, tentatively named “Shakti,” between May 23 and May 28. However, as of May 14, 2025, the IMD clarified that no cyclone formation has been confirmed, and the probability of a depression forming within the next 168 hours is “NIL.”
- Potential Impact Areas: If Cyclone Shakti forms, it could affect:
- India: Coastal regions of Odisha and West Bengal are at potential risk.
- Bangladesh: Khulna and Chattogram regions may face significant impacts, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and tidal surges.
- Expected Timeline:
- May 16–22: Formation of a low-pressure area over the east-central Bay of Bengal.
- May 23–28: Potential intensification into a cyclonic storm, with possible landfall between May 24 and May 26 in some forecasts.
- Weather Impacts:
- Rainfall: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in affected coastal areas, potentially causing coastal flooding and disruptions in low-lying regions.
- Winds: Gusty winds and possible storm surges could accompany the cyclone if it intensifies.
- Monsoon Influence: The system coincides with the early onset of the southwest monsoon, which has advanced into the south Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea, and Nicobar Islands as of May 13, the earliest in seven years. This could amplify rainfall and complicate weather patterns.
- Clarifications and Misinformation:
- The IMD has denied reports of an imminent “Cyclone Shakti,” emphasizing that a cyclonic circulation is not the same as a cyclonic storm. A cyclonic circulation is a weaker, upper-atmosphere system that may not necessarily develop into a cyclone. The public is urged to rely on official IMD bulletins to avoid confusion.
- Some media and X posts have speculated about Cyclone Shakti’s formation, but these are not officially confirmed by the IMD.
- Regional Preparations:
- Authorities in India and Bangladesh are taking precautionary measures, including preparing evacuation centers, checking early warning systems, and urging residents to stock up on essentials like food, water, and medicines.
- Residents are advised to stay updated via official sources, secure homes, and avoid sea travel or fishing activities during this period.
- Naming: The name “Shakti,” proposed by Sri Lanka, follows the regional cyclone naming system managed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and eight countries bordering the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
- Conflicting Reports on Location:
- Some X posts suggest a system named “Cyclone Shakti” or “Shakhti” may be forming over the Arabian Sea, impacting Konkan, Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, rather than the Bay of Bengal. These posts indicate a well-marked low-pressure area off the south Konkan-Goa coast, potentially intensifying into a depression by May 23 and a cyclone by May 24–25. However, these reports are unofficial and contradict IMD’s focus on the Bay of Bengal. The IMD has not confirmed any cyclone formation in the Arabian Sea as of now.
- Advisories:
- Travel: Expect potential disruptions to flight and train schedules in affected areas. Travelers should confirm bookings, pack emergency supplies, and opt for flexible tickets.
- Safety: Residents in coastal areas should identify cyclone shelters, secure loose outdoor items, and monitor IMD updates (mausam.imd.gov.in) for the latest forecasts.
Critical Note: The information on Cyclone Shakti is speculative at this stage, as the IMD has not confirmed its formation. X posts suggesting activity in the Arabian Sea appear inconsistent with official IMD reports, which focus solely on the Bay of Bengal. Always verify with official sources like the IMD to avoid misinformation. If you need updates for a specific region or want me to check X for public sentiment, let me know
