Remal Cyclone Live Tracking: Know Current Location, Speed, Path, Landfall And Latest News Updates

The Bay of Bengal is gearing up for a potential cyclone, which could be the first pre-monsoon cyclone of the season in the region. If a cyclone forms, it will be named 'Remal,' a name given by Oman. Currently, the system is tagged as Invest number 99B. A low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by May 25. Cyclone Remal is expected to make landfall near Bangladesh and West Bengal, Odisha costs by the evening of May 26, 2024.

In this regard, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an advisory urging fishermen, particularly those off the coasts of West Bengal and north Odisha, to return to shore by Thursday.

Cyclone Remal Landfall, Speed:

Cyclone Remal is projected to move northwards, approaching the Bangladesh and West Bengal coasts (Odisha and West Bengal) by the evening of May 26.

Cyclone Remal will make landfall between Sagar Island in West Bengal and Bangladesh's Khepupara on Sunday midnight i.e May 26. The system is expected to become a cyclonic storm by Saturday morning, intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm by Saturday night.

The IMD has also predicted wind speeds upto 120 kmph, classifying it as a severe cyclonic storm.

The Madden-Julian Oscillation, an eastward-moving band of clouds and winds, is currently positioned south of the Bay of Bengal. This phenomenon enhances cyclonic activity by providing the rotational trigger necessary for storm development.

Cyclone Remal Impact:

Heavy rainfall forecasted for northeast India on May 27-28.

Storm surge of up to 1.5 meters expected to flood coastal areas of West Bengal and Bangladesh during landfall.

Very heavy rainfall and high winds are forecast for the central Bay of Bengal.

Coastal districts of West Bengal, north Odisha, Mizoram, Tripura, and south Manipur could experience heavy rainfall on May 26th and 27th.

Warnings and Precautions

• IMD warns of localised flooding and major damage to structures, power lines in South and North 24 Parganas districts, West Bengal.
• Residents in affected areas advised to stay indoors and vacate vulnerable structures.

Cyclone Remal's Development:

The system is expected to intensify into a depression by Friday morning, strengthening into a cyclonic storm by Saturday.
By Sunday evening, Remal is predicted to make landfall near Bangladesh and West Bengal as a severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds reaching 120 kilometers per hour.

Warming Seas, Intensifying Storms:

Scientists attribute the rapid intensification and prolonged potency of cyclones to rising sea surface temperatures, a consequence of global warming. Warmer seas hold more moisture, fueling cyclone development. The current sea surface temperature in the Bay of Bengal sits around 30 degrees Celsius, well above the 27-degree threshold needed for cyclone formation.

Cyclonic storms intensifying due to warmer sea surface temperatures absorbing excess heat from greenhouse gases. Highest sea surface temperatures recorded in past 30 years.

Impact on Monsoon:

While models suggest minimal disruption to the overall monsoon progress, some localized delays are possible. Initially, the cyclone might enhance monsoon activity over the Bay of Bengal. However, as it detaches and draws in moisture, it could temporarily slow monsoon advancement in specific areas.

Cyclone Remal Naming Process:

The name 'Remal' has been given to this cyclone by Oman.

Previously, cyclones were unnamed. However, after the devastating cyclones in 1970 and 1991, a process of naming these storms began to facilitate quick information dissemination about their strength and type. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), in coordination with the Regional Special Meteorological Organizations (RSMCs), has been naming cyclones since 2004. The RSMC seeks a list of names from its member states, which is then sent to the WMO after verification.