Cyclone Remal to Make Landfall: IMD Update on Bay of Bengal Cyclone

Cyclone Update: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that Cyclone Remal is set to make landfall around Sunday midnight, affecting areas between Sagar Island in West Bengal and Khepupara in Bangladesh. This marks the first cyclone in the Bay of Bengal for this pre-monsoon season. Oman has contributed the name ‘Remal’ for the cyclone, following the naming convention for tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean region.
As per the IMD’s forecast, the cyclone will strengthen into a cyclonic storm by Saturday morning and is expected to further intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Saturday night. Wind speeds could reach up to 120 kilometres per hour. The cyclone’s arrival is anticipated to bring extremely heavy rainfall to the coastal districts of West Bengal and north Odisha on May 26-27, with similar conditions expected in parts of northeast India on May 27-28.
A storm surge of up to 1.5 meters is also predicted, potentially leading to the inundation of low-lying areas along the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the Bay of Bengal until May 27. The IMD has issued warnings of localized flooding and significant damage to vulnerable structures, power and communication lines, kutcha roads, crops, and orchards, particularly in the South and North 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal. Residents in the affected zones have been urged to stay indoors and move away from vulnerable structures.
Scientists highlight that cyclonic storms are becoming more intense and retaining their strength for longer periods due to the warming of sea surface temperatures, a consequence of greenhouse gas emissions. The past 30 years have seen the highest sea surface temperatures since records began in 1880. Warmer sea temperatures contribute to more moisture, fostering conditions favorable for cyclone intensification. The current sea surface temperature in the Bay of Bengal stands at around 30 degrees Celsius, which is conducive for cyclone formation. However, the development and intensification of tropical cyclones are also influenced by atmospheric conditions, particularly vertical wind shear, which can either promote or inhibit cyclone strength.