First post-monsoon cyclone likely to develop into the Bay of Bengal around October 24: IMD
On Tuesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the first cyclone of the post-monsoon season is likely to develop over the Bay of Bengal around October 24. If it increases, it will be the first cyclone to form in the Bay of Bengal. From October 2018. Once it turns into a hurricane, it will be called Sitarang (read as Si-Trang), designated by Thailand. Sitarang will be the second cyclonic storm this year after Asani formed in the Bay of Bengal in early May.
The IMD said a cyclonic circulation has persisted over the North Andaman Sea since Monday. Under its influence, a low-pressure area will likely develop over the southeast and adjoining the east-central Bay of Bengal by Thursday.
“This low pressure will likely move west-northwestwards and concentrate into a depression by October 22. It will later intensify into a cyclonic storm,” the IMD said in its weather bulletin on Tuesday afternoon.
According to the weather model, the storm is likely to move westwards, approach the east coast of India, and affect areas of North Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha.
The IMD has warned of heavy rainfall over Coastal and Interior Karnataka, Kerala, Mahe, Tamil Nadu, Karaikal, Puducherry and Coastal Andhra Pradesh till October 21.
