Weather Update: Summer cyclone Mocha likely to develop over Bay of Bengal around May 9

Odisha Cyclone alert: The first cyclone of the year 2023, Cyclone Mocha, is likely to form over southeast Bay of Bengal next week, due to a developing low-pressure in the same area.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted the likelihood of a cyclonic circulation taking shape by May 6th. Nevertheless, the formation of the cyclone has not been officially confirmed at this time.

''A cyclonic circulation is likely to develop over Southeast Bay of Bengal around 6th May 2023. Under its influence a low pressure area is likely to form over the same region around 7th May. It is likely to concentrate into a depression over Southeast Bay of Bengal on 8th May. Therefore, it is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm while moving nearly northwards towards central Bay of Bengal,'' IMD said.

The weather agency said that there is the possibility of a summer cyclone in the Bay of Bengal around May 9, though its path and intensity remain uncertain.

According to IMD Director General Mrutunjay Mohapatra, a cyclonic storm is expected to form on May 9, but its movement and intensification will depend on the formation of a low-pressure area on May 7. However, there are currently no forecasts about the cyclone's potential landfall on the country's coast.

However, Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea from May 7 as a precautionary measure.

Odisha on alert

Meanwhile, the Odisha government has alerted officials and collectors of 18 coastal and adjacent districts, along with 11 other departments, in view of the weather development, according to the state's special relief commissioner Satyabrata Sahu.

A cyclonic circulation is anticipated to form in the southeast Bay of Bengal by May 6, with a low-pressure area likely to develop in the same area on May 7, Mohapatra said.

By May 8, the system could evolve into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal. Mohapatra further added that there is a good chance of the circulation intensifying into a cyclonic storm and moving towards the central Bay of Bengal around May 9.

The system is being closely monitored, and updates will be provided after the low-pressure area's formation.

Although it is challenging to predict the path of summer cyclones, no alerts have been issued for Odisha coast or other east coast areas, according to Mohapatra. The information is intended to keep fishermen, oil explorers, and other commercial operations in the Bay of Bengal informed. People are encouraged not to panic about the possibility of a cyclone.

Mohapatra explained that April, May, and June are known as summer cyclone months, whereas September, October, and November are monsoon cyclone months.

In May 2019, 2020, and 2021, the east coast experienced three summer cyclones - Fani, Amphan, and Yaas, respectively.

The Odisha SRC's office has issued a statement indicating that no IMD warnings have been issued for the Odisha coast, but all cyclone-prone districts remain prepared for any eventuality.