Cyclone Biparjoy to intensify into 'severe' storm today: IMD
What's the story
Cyclone Biparjoy, formed over the southeast Arabian Sea, is forecast to intensify into a "severe" storm on Wednesday and eventually a "very severe" cyclone on Thursday over and off the Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa coasts, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather department also issued an alert for fishermen out at sea and advised them to return to the coast.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Cyclone Biparjoy is the second cyclone to form in the North Indian Ocean in less than three weeks. Previously, Cyclone Mocha, which formed in the Bay of Bengal, slammed into Bangladesh and Myanmar, wreaking havoc. In 2021, Cyclone Yaas emerged just as the monsoon season began. Notably, the IMD predicted on Monday that Cyclone Biparjoy may delay the arrival of monsoon in Kerala.
Details
Warning issued for fisherfolk against venturing into sea
The IMD predicted that the cyclone will lead to high-speed gale winds (105-115 km/hr) with gusts up to 125 km/hr over the east-central Arabian Sea and adjoining areas of the west-central and southeast Arabian Sea from the evening of June 7. It will likely affect the Karnataka-Goa-Maharashtra coasts. Fisherfolk and seafarers have been advised to return and warned not to venture into the sea.
Twitter Post
Severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours: IMD
Deep Depression intensified into Cyclonic Storm BIPARJOY over Eastcentral Arabian Sea at 1730hrs IST. To move nearly northwards and intesify into a severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours. For details kindly visit https://t.co/wRl94BS1bz. pic.twitter.com/Nmy23htz0d
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 6, 2023
Monsoon
Monsoon may be delayed in Kerala due to Cyclone Biparjoy
The prevailing low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea due to Cyclone Biparjoy was anticipated to have a significant impact on the monsoon arrival along the Kerala coast, per the IMD. Private forecasting company Skymet Weather also supported the claim. However, scientists said a minor delay in the monsoon over Kerala does not indicate that it will be delayed in other areas of the country.
Information
NCP postpones silver jubilee celebration due to high sea conditions
Meanwhile, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has decided to postpone its Silver Jubilee celebrations in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra on Friday due to the forecast of very high sea conditions along and off the Kerala-Karnataka coasts, Lakshadweep-Maldives, and Konkan-Goa-Maharashtra coasts.