The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a tropical weather outlook predicting the formation of Cyclone Mocha in the southeast Bay of Bengal between May 7 and 9. The IMD also forecasts heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, with lighter rain expected across other states over the next five days.
Bhubaneswar in Odisha is already experiencing rainfall and is on alert. The IMD anticipates “partly cloudy skies with moderate rain or thunderstorms” in the city today. West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh are also preparing for Cyclone Mocha.
A cyclonic circulation is expected to form on May 6, which will lead to the development of a low-pressure area by May 7. This low-pressure system is projected to strengthen into a depression by May 8 and intensify into a cyclonic storm, moving northward towards the Central Bay of Bengal.
Bhubaneswar and other coastal areas are on alert as the IMD forecasts moderate rain and potential thunderstorms.The IMD is closely monitoring the system and will update on its path and intensity once the low-pressure area forms. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjacent areas starting May 7, and into the central Bay of Bengal from May 9.
According to the Indian Express, the IMD has warned that small ships, boats, and trawlers should stay clear of these areas due to the expected severe weather. The south and west-central Bay of Bengal, as well as the Comorin area in the Arabian Sea, are expected to experience scattered low to medium clouds with intense convection.
The south Andaman Sea will see moderate to intense convection, while the north Bay of Bengal will have scattered clouds with weaker convection.