The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced the formation of the year’s first cyclone, named Shakhti, in the northeast Arabian Sea. This marks the end of an unusually calm period for India’s coastlines, with no cyclones forming in the North Indian Ocean since 2012.
While the cyclone is expected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm, current forecasts indicate it will move further away from India, primarily affecting sea conditions with rough weather rather than causing significant inland damage.
Cyclone formation in October is historically common, as this period between October and December is the busiest season for cyclones in the region. Interestingly, Shakhti’s formation in the Arabian Sea aligns with a growing trend of increased cyclone activity in this area, contrasting with a slight decrease in the Bay of Bengal. Scientists attribute this shift to warmer sea surface temperatures, which also correlate with an increase in the duration of cyclones in the Arabian Sea.
Cyclone Shakhti’s center was located in the Arabian Sea near Gujarat. Its predicted path suggests a north-westward movement followed by a south-westward turn as it intensifies. Although sea conditions are expected to be rough, no weather warnings have been issued for Gujarat for October 4th.