First cyclone of 2021 'Tauktae' forming over Arabian Sea, likely to intensify around May 16: IMD

The India Meteorological Department has predicted that the first cyclonic storm of the year named Tauktae could be taking shape, as a low-pressure area is very likely to form over the southeast Arabian Sea around May 14 morning.

It is then likely to intensify gradually into a cyclonic storm over the east-central Arabian Sea around May 16, and continue to move north-northwestwards, IMD said.

The low-pressure area is very likely to move north-northwestwards across the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining the Lakshadweep area and intensify gradually.

Cyclone Tauktae if reaches the Indian coast, will be India's first cyclonic storm of this year 2021. The name 'Tauktae' has been given by Myanmar meaning gecko.

As per the forecast of the India Meteorological Department, areas like Lakshadweep, the coast of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra are likely to be impacted.

The IMD has issued a warning of light to moderate rainfall over Lakshadweep, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu starting Thursday and lasting till May 16.

Fishermen from these coastal states have been advised against going to sea from Friday and those already out at sea have been urged to return by Wednesday night.

However, the reports suggest there is also the possibility of the storm changing its course towards Kutch and South Pakistan.

In that case, there is a chance that the cyclone may cross the north Gujarat or Kutch area on May 20.

Normally one or two cyclones form over the Northern India Ocean during the pre-monsoon season in April and May.

This time no cyclone formed in April but depression had formed over the south Andaman Sea last month.

Source : DNA India