Cyclone Remal: IMD Predicts Severe Storm to Hit Bangladesh and West Bengal
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted the formation of a severe cyclonic storm, named Cyclone Remal, over the Bay of Bengal. Expected to reach the coasts of Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal by Sunday evening, this marks the first pre-monsoon cyclone in the region for the year.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Cyclone Name | Remal |
| Region Affected | Bangladesh, West Bengal, North Odisha, Mizoram, Tripura, South Manipur |
| Formation Timeline | Low-pressure system: By Thursday |
| Depression: By Friday morning | |
| Cyclonic storm: By Saturday morning | |
| Severe cyclonic storm: By Sunday evening | |
| Expected Wind Speed | 102 km/h on Sunday |
| Warnings Issued | Heavy rainfall in coastal districts |
| Fishermen advised to return to the coast | |
| Causes of Intensification | Warmer sea surface temperatures due to greenhouse gas emissions |
| Sea Surface Temperature | Current: Around 30°C |
| Minimum for cyclone formation: 27°C | |
| Atmospheric Conditions | Vertical wind shear plays a critical role |
| Monsoon Impact | Initial progress over the Bay of Bengal |
| Potential slight delay in monsoon progression after cyclone detaches | |
| Scientific Insights | Cyclones are retaining potency longer due to warmer sea temperatures |
| Last 30 years have seen highest sea surface temperatures since 1880 |
Formation and Path of Cyclone Remal
IMD scientist Monica Sharma detailed the storm’s development, stating that the low-pressure system will transform into a depression by Friday morning, intensify into a cyclonic storm by Saturday, and reach severe cyclonic status by Sunday evening. Wind speeds are predicted to escalate to 102 kilometers per hour as the storm approaches the coast.
Impact and Warnings
The IMD has issued warnings of very heavy rainfall for the coastal districts of West Bengal, northern Odisha, Mizoram, Tripura, and southern Manipur on May 26 and 27. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the Bay of Bengal and to return to the coast by May 27 to ensure safety.
Factors Contributing to Cyclone Intensification
According to IMD senior scientist DS Pai, the intensification of cyclonic storms is linked to higher sea surface temperatures, a result of oceans absorbing excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions. The last 30 years have recorded the highest sea surface temperatures since records began in 1880.
Former Union Ministry of Earth Sciences secretary Madhavan Rajeevan explained that a sea surface temperature of at least 27 degrees Celsius is required for a low-pressure system to intensify into a cyclone. Presently, the Bay of Bengal’s sea surface temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius, creating favorable conditions for Cyclone Remal’s formation.
Atmospheric Influence on Cyclone Development
While warm sea surface temperatures are critical, atmospheric conditions also play a significant role in cyclone development. Vertical wind shear, which refers to changes in wind speed and direction with altitude, can either hinder or enhance a cyclone’s strength. High vertical wind shear can weaken a cyclone, while low vertical wind shear can allow it to intensify.
Monsoon Implications
The cyclonic system will initially support the monsoon’s progression over the Bay of Bengal. However, once the cyclone detaches from the monsoon circulation, it is expected to draw significant moisture, potentially causing a slight delay in the monsoon’s advancement in the affected areas.
Conclusion
As Cyclone Remal approaches, preparedness and caution are crucial for minimizing impact. The IMD continues to monitor the storm closely, providing updates and advisories to ensure public safety and mitigate potential damages.
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Cyclone Remal: Questions and Answers
Q1: What is the name of the first pre-monsoon cyclone in the Bay of Bengal for this year?
A1: The name of the cyclone is Remal.
Q2: Which areas are expected to be affected by Cyclone Remal?
A2: Cyclone Remal is expected to affect Bangladesh, West Bengal, North Odisha, Mizoram, Tripura, and South Manipur.
Q3: What is the timeline for the formation and intensification of Cyclone Remal?
A3:
- Low-pressure system: By Thursday
- Depression: By Friday morning
- Cyclonic storm: By Saturday morning
- Severe cyclonic storm: By Sunday evening
Q4: What is the expected wind speed of Cyclone Remal by Sunday?
A4: The expected wind speed of Cyclone Remal is 102 kilometers per hour by Sunday.
Q5: What warnings have been issued due to Cyclone Remal?
A5: The IMD has issued warnings for very heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of the affected regions. Fishermen have been advised to return to the coast and not venture into the Bay of Bengal until May 27.
Q6: What are the primary factors contributing to the intensification of cyclones like Remal?
A6: Warmer sea surface temperatures, largely due to greenhouse gas emissions, are the primary factors contributing to the intensification of cyclones.
Q7: What is the current sea surface temperature in the Bay of Bengal?
A7: The current sea surface temperature in the Bay of Bengal is around 30 degrees Celsius.
Q8: What is the minimum sea surface temperature required for a low-pressure system to intensify into a cyclone?
A8: A minimum sea surface temperature of 27 degrees Celsius is required for a low-pressure system to intensify into a cyclone.
Q9: How does vertical wind shear affect the development of cyclones?
A9: Vertical wind shear, which involves changes in wind speed and direction with altitude, can either hinder or enhance cyclone development. High vertical wind shear can weaken a cyclone, while low vertical wind shear can allow it to intensify.
Q10: How will Cyclone Remal impact the monsoon?
A10: Initially, Cyclone Remal will help the monsoon progress over the Bay of Bengal. However, once the cyclone detaches from the monsoon circulation, it may draw significant moisture, potentially causing a slight delay in the monsoon’s advancement in the affected areas.