Weather, Oct 24: Cyclonic storm ‘Hamoon’ has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the Northwest Bay of Bengal, posing weather-related concerns for several Indian states.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the cyclone is projected to continue moving in a nearly north-northeastward direction. Current forecasts indicate that ‘Hamoon’ is set to make landfall on the Bangladesh coast between Khepupara and Chittagong around noon on October 25, 2023, albeit as a deep depression.
As the cyclonic storm advances, multiple northeastern states, including Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya, as well as south Assam, are expected to experience light to moderate rainfall. On October 24, Mizoram is likely to witness heavy rainfall, with even heavier downpours anticipated in Tripura. This risk of heavy rain is projected to continue on October 25, but the intensity is expected to subside by October 26, resulting in light to moderate rainfall at a few locations.
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South Assam and eastern Meghalaya should also prepare for light to moderate rainfall on October 24-25, with the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall in south Assam.
The coastal districts of Odisha are not exempt from the influence of Cyclone Hamoon, with light to moderate rainfall expected at most places on October 24.
Likewise, the coastal districts of West Bengal should anticipate weather disturbances, with the Met Department forecasting light to moderate rainfall at most places on October 24, accompanied by isolated heavy rainfall over coastal areas of West Bengal.
Cyclonic Storm Hamoon also generates strong winds across the Bay of Bengal and various regions of Eastern India.
Squally winds, with speeds ranging from 40-50 kmph and gusting up to 60 kmph, are expected along and off the Odisha coast until October 24. These winds will begin along and off the West Bengal, Bangladesh, and North Myanmar coasts from the morning of October 24.
They are projected to gradually increase, reaching speeds of 55-65 kmph with gusts of up to 75 kmph along and off the Bangladesh coast, 50-60 kmph with gusts of up to 70 kmph along and off the North Myanmar coast, and 45-55 kmph with gusts of up to 65 kmph along and off the West Bengal coast on October 25.
On October 25, squally winds, with speeds ranging from 40-50 kmph and gusting up to 60 kmph, are expected over Mizoram and Tripura. Strong winds, with speeds of 30-40 kmph and gusts of up to 50 kmph, are anticipated over South Assam and Manipur on the same day. It’s essential for residents in these regions to stay informed and prepared for the weather conditions associated with Cyclone Hamoon as it progresses.
