A new cyclonic storm is forming over the Bay of Bengal and is likely to be named Cyclone Montha once it intensifies. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has stated that the system is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by October 28, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to Andhra Pradesh and parts of East and South India.
Where Will Cyclone Montha Hit?
The IMD has confirmed that the weather system is currently over the southeast Bay of Bengal near latitude 10.8°N and longitude 88.8°E. It will intensify into a deep depression by October 26 and become a cyclonic storm by October 27.
According to the Regional Meteorological Center (RMC) in Alipore, the storm is likely to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, on the evening of October 28.
In a statement, the IMD said, “Continuing to move north-northwestwards, it is very likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada during the evening or night of 28th October as a severe cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph.”
Why the Name ‘Montha’?
If the system develops into a full-fledged cyclonic storm, it will be named ‘Montha’, a name suggested by Thailand. The word Montha means beautiful flowers in Thai. Cyclone names are given by member countries of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) panel for the Indian Ocean region.
Impact on West Bengal and Kolkata
Although West Bengal will not face a direct hit, Kolkata and nearby districts will experience rain and thunderstorms due to the storm’s outer bands.
The IMD predicts light rain or thundershowers in Kolkata from Monday night, followed by moderate rain on October 28 and 29.
Thunderstorms with lightning and wind speeds of 30–40 kmph are expected in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, and both 24 Parganas.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has begun preparing for waterlogging issues. Pumps and drainage systems are being checked to ensure smooth operations during heavy rains.
Fishermen and Coastal Warnings
The IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea from October 28 to 30, as squally winds up to 55 kmph and rough sea conditions are expected along the Andhra and Bengal coasts.
Local authorities have urged coastal communities to remain alert and follow official advisories as the system approaches land.
A Cloudy, Wet End to October
As the storm strengthens, cloudy skies and humid weather will dominate much of eastern India. The heaviest rain will likely occur on October 28 and 29, with temperatures dropping slightly afterward.
While Bengal may avoid the full brunt of Cyclone Montha, gusty winds, heavy showers, and thunder will mark a wet and windy end to October across India’s east coast.
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