The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has cautioned about a possible cyclonic storm developing in the Arabian Sea, which is likely to affect Mumbai and Pune, among other parts of Maharashtra and the Konkan region. The weather agency predicts the low-pressure area formed over the Arabian Sea is expected to intensify into a Depression by October 21.

“A low-pressure area has formed over Southeast and adjoining East central Arabian Sea in the morning of 18th October. To move West-Northwestwards and intensify into a Depression around 21st October,” tweeted IMD.

A low pressure area has formed over Southeast and adjoining Eastcentral Arabian Sea in the morning of 18th october. To move West-Northwestwards and intensify into a Depression around 21st october. pic.twitter.com/2NEvxANrFo

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) October 18, 2023The cyclonic storm to be named Cyclone Tej, may lead to significant weather change in Maharashtra.

Cyclone formation from October to December is common in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea due to elevated ocean temperatures. Currently, the likelihood of the system becoming a cyclonic storm is not very high.

According to an IMD official, a cyclonic circulation over the southeast Arabian Sea and the adjoining Lakshadweep region has been noticed, and a low-pressure area is likely to be formed, PTI reported on Monday.

“As of now, the probability of this system intensifying into a cyclonic storm is not very high. The models have yet to confirm it. There is no unanimity in the model forecasts so far. We will have to wait for a few more days for a clear picture to emerge,” the IMD official was quoted as saying by PTI.

The weather agency has also advised fishermen in Maharashtra and South Gujarat to avoid venturing into the sea.

According to a report by Money Control, certain weather models suggest the possibility of the storm heading towards the Gujarat coast. The future trajectory of the storm, once it intensifies into a tropical storm, will be determined by the position of the subtropical ridge, as per the agency. Additionally, the Arabian Sea is expected to witness the first storm of the monsoon season in 2023.

According to reports, due to the cyclonic disturbance, night temperatures in Mumbai and other areas of the state are anticipated to drop to a cooler 22-23 degrees Celsius. Nearby city Pune will also experience a temperature decrease, ranging from 16-17 degrees Celsius around October 22-25. Additionally, South Konkan might experience rainfall due to the cyclonic storm.

Meanwhile, the Santacruz observatory of the IMD reported a temperature of 36.4 degrees Celsius for Mumbai’s suburbs, whereas the Colaba observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 33.2 degrees Celsius for the island city.

Mumbai experienced a haze, leading to a moderate air quality index (AQI) classification. The city’s air quality, monitored by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), showed a PM10 level of 143 at 6 pm on Wednesday. The rain may help to improve the air quality in the city.

Cyclones in the Arabian Sea often follow uncertain paths, according to experts at Skymet Weather. While their typical trajectory leads towards Somalia, the Gulf of Aden, Yemen, and Oman, there have been instances where these cyclones diverted towards the Gujarat and Pakistan coastlines.

(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)