The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that Cyclone Remal is forming in the Bay of Bengal and is expected to hit the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh as a severe cyclonic storm on May 26.
Cyclone Development and Path On May 23, the IMD shared on social media that a well-marked low-pressure area over the west-central and south Bay of Bengal has been moving northeastward. By the morning of May 24, this low-pressure area is likely to develop into a depression over the central Bay of Bengal. It is expected to intensify further into a cyclonic storm by May 25 and then move northward, reaching the coasts of Bangladesh and West Bengal by the evening of May 26.
Rainfall Warnings The IMD has issued rainfall warnings for several regions. Coastal districts in West Bengal, along with northern Odisha and northeastern India, can expect light to moderate rain, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas on May 26 and 27. Specific areas in West Bengal, such as North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and Purba Medinipur, are likely to experience heavy rainfall.
Fishermen and Wind Warnings Fishermen are advised not to venture into the south Bay of Bengal until May 24, the central Bay of Bengal until May 26, and the north Bay of Bengal from May 24 to the morning of May 27. Those already at sea should return to the coast.
The IMD also predicts strong winds and rough seas. On May 25, gale-force winds of 60-70 kmph, with gusts up to 80 kmph, are expected in the north Bay of Bengal. These winds could intensify to 100-110 kmph, with gusts up to 120 kmph, over the north Bay of Bengal from May 26 for 24 hours. Winds along the coasts of Bangladesh, West Bengal, and north Odisha could reach 40-50 kmph, with gusts up to 60 kmph, starting the evening of May 25.
Rough Sea Conditions The IMD warns that the central Bay of Bengal will face rough to very rough sea conditions from the morning of May 25. The north Bay of Bengal will experience high to very high sea conditions from the evening of May 25 until the morning of May 27.
Residents and authorities in the affected regions are urged to take necessary precautions and stay updated with the latest weather advisories.
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