Cyclone Shakti Threat: Heavy Rains Batter Maharashtra, Goa on High Alert
Cyclone Shakti Threat Looms Over Maharashtra
As a low-pressure system swirls in the Arabian Sea, red alerts have been issued across Maharashtra and Goa, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of potential heavy rainfall and even a cyclone named Shakti.
Mumbai Soaked, Pune on Edge
Mumbai woke up to a deluge on Thursday, with heavy pre-monsoon showers overnight. The Santacruz weather station recorded 27 mm of rainfall, while Colaba logged 10 mm. Temperatures plummeted, with Santacruz experiencing a chilly 22.5 degrees Celsius, five degrees below normal.
This month, Mumbai has already received over 100 mm of rain, a staggering 700% above the average for May, according to IMD data.
Pune is also bracing for downpours as the system threatens to move northward. An orange alert is in place for Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, while districts like Raigad and Ratnagiri face a red alert beginning Friday.
No Cyclone Yet, But Warning Remains
While no official cyclone warning has been issued, IMD scientist Akhil Srivastava told ANI that the system could intensify and move northwards, potentially impacting the west coast. He added that a warning for extremely heavy rain has been issued for Konkan-Goa for the next three days, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in adjoining areas of Central Maharashtra and the West Coast.
The developing weather pattern is fueled by a cyclonic circulation aloft, creating “intense to very intense convection”. This indicates strong vertical air movement, supporting the system’s growth.
If it intensifies into a cyclonic storm, it will be named Cyclone Shakti, a name proposed by Sri Lanka meaning ‘power’ in Tamil, as per ET report.
Fishermen Warned, Rough Seas Ahead
The IMD has urged fishermen to stay ashore as stormy conditions brew. They are advised not to venture along and off the Somalia coast and adjoining southwest Arabian Sea until May 27, and over southwest and adjoining parts of west-central Arabian Sea on May 25 and 26.
Heavy Rains Forecast Across India
The warnings extend beyond Maharashtra. Heavy rainfall is predicted across Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Konkan region in the coming days, with isolated “extremely heavy” showers likely in Konkan-Goa from May 22 to 24.
Monsoon May Arrive in Kerala Soon
Adding to the changing weather scene, the IMD said monsoon conditions are now aligning over the southern coast. The southwest monsoon is likely to make its official arrival in Kerala within the next two to three days, and could quickly move towards Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu, and further into the Bay of Bengal and the Northeast.
Meanwhile, parts of eastern and central India, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and the entire Northeast, are on high alert as widespread thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds sweep the region.
